Chapter IV - Verification and Stamping of Weight or Measure
Section 24
Section 24: Verification and stamping of weight or measure
A person possessing a weight or measure in circumstances indicating use, intended use or likely use in a transaction or for protection must have it verified before such use. The Controller specifies place and hours, with fees prescribed by rules.
On this page
Need advice on Section 24?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) Every person having any weight or measure in his possession, custody or control in circumstances indicating that such weight or measure is being, or is intended or is likely to be, used by him in any transaction or for protection, shall, before putting such weight or measure into such use, have such weight or measure verified at such place and during such hours as the Controller may, by general or special order, specify in this behalf, on payment of such fees as may be prescribed.
(2) The Central Government may prescribe the kinds of weights and measures for which the verification is to be done through the Government approved Test Centre.
(3) The Government approved Test Centre shall be notified by the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, in such manner, on such terms and conditions and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed.
(4) The Government approved Test Centre shall appoint or engage persons having such qualifications and experience and collect such fee on such terms and conditions for the verification of weights and measures specified under sub-section
(2) as may be prescribed.
Introduction
Model approval and verification are separate stages. Section 24 also has a defined Government approved Test Centre route; it is not a universal substitute for Controller verification.
Key takeaways
Core rule
A person possessing a weight or measure in circumstances indicating use, intended use or likely use in a transaction or for protection must have it verified before such use. The Controller specifies place and hours, with fees prescribed by rules.
Operational check
List instruments used or likely to be used for trade transactions or protection, and distinguish them from purely internal devices.
Important limit
Model approval and verification are separate stages. Section 24 also has a defined Government approved Test Centre route; it is not a universal substitute for Controller verification.
When this section applies
A person possessing a weight or measure in circumstances indicating use, intended use or likely use in a transaction or for protection must have it verified before such use. The Controller specifies place and hours, with fees prescribed by rules.
Practical steps and records
The trigger is possession, custody or control indicating transaction or protection use, with verification required before that use.
- List instruments used or likely to be used for trade transactions or protection, and distinguish them from purely internal devices.
- Arrange verification before first covered use and track re-verification, repairs and stamp status under current Central and State rules.
- Use a Government approved Test Centre only for the kinds of instruments prescribed for that route and a centre notified under section 24.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: A shop receives a new scale and plans to weigh goods for customers. It gets verification before using that scale for sales and retains the verification record.
How to read it with related law
Model approval and verification are separate stages. Section 24 also has a defined Government approved Test Centre route; it is not a universal substitute for Controller verification.
Primary sources
Read the original central Act with the enacted and commenced amendments listed here. Rules made under the Act and State enforcement rules supply details where the provision says 'prescribed'.
Practical checklist
Do
- List instruments used or likely to be used for trade transactions or protection, and distinguish them from purely internal devices.
- Arrange verification before first covered use and track re-verification, repairs and stamp status under current Central and State rules.
- Use a Government approved Test Centre only for the kinds of instruments prescribed for that route and a centre notified under section 24.
Avoid
- Do not place a scale into customer transactions while its required verification is outstanding.
- Do not assume every instrument can use a Government approved Test Centre; the Central Government prescribes eligible kinds.
Illustrative example
Hypothetical application of section 24
A shop receives a new scale and plans to weigh goods for customers. It gets verification before using that scale for sales and retains the verification record.
Identify the duty
A person possessing a weight or measure in circumstances indicating use, intended use or likely use in a transaction or for protection must have it verified before such use. The Controller specifies place and hours, with fees prescribed by rules.
Check the evidence
Arrange verification before first covered use and track re-verification, repairs and stamp status under current Central and State rules.
Resolve the issue
Use a Government approved Test Centre only for the kinds of instruments prescribed for that route and a centre notified under section 24.
Outcome
- Model approval and verification are separate stages. Section 24 also has a defined Government approved Test Centre route; it is not a universal substitute for Controller verification.
Glossary
- Verification
- Checking, testing or adjusting a weight or measure for conformity, including re-verification and calibration as defined in section 2.
- Prescribed
- Specified in rules made under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Frequently asked questions
Can a newly bought scale be used for trade before verification?
Section 24(1) requires verification before covered transaction or protection use.
Who specifies where and when verification is available?
Under section 24(1), the Controller may specify the place and hours by general or special order.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026