BCCI faces heat over sale of overpriced water during Wankhede Test
A day before the Supreme Court is expected to give its verdict on the implementation of the Lodha Committee recommendations on administrative reforms in the Board, a case has been filed against a vendor for selling overpriced water during the fourth Test at the Wankhede.
There seems to be no end to BCCI’s troubles. A day before the Supreme Court is expected to give its verdict on the implementation of the Lodha Committee recommendations on administrative reforms in the Board, a case has been filed against a vendor for selling overpriced water during the fourth Test at the Wankhede.
According to a press note from the Legal Metrology Organization, it acted on complaints of packaged commodities being overpriced at the Wankhede and observed that Ms Wheels and More, Stall No 007, sold 1-litre water bottles for R50 whereas the MRP is 20.
“A case has been registered against the seller for violation of the Legal Metrology Act and rules made there under as this is a clear cut case of overcharging,” it stated.
The inspection at Wankhede was ordered by Amitabh Gupta, Special Inspector General of Police and Controller, Legal Metrology, on December 11.
The BCCI and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) have been informed that they should stop such practices by giving necessary instructions to vendors.
Both have been instructed that in all agreements with vendors it should be mentioned that compliance of the Legal Metrology Act and Packaged Commodities Rules along with the directions of Director of Legal Metrology, New Delhi, is mandatory.
Asked if they found discrepancies with other vendors too, Gupta said, “By the time we reached it was late, we could examine only one vendor.”
On whether action would be taken against the MCA or BCCI, Gupta said, “We will examine the agreement with the vendors and then decide. In future, action will be taken against cricket associations.”
Overpricing is an issue at most venues and Gupta promised that Legal Metrology will be vigilant in future. “It (overpricing) won’t happen.”
A MCA official clarified that they were not part of the agreement and pouring rights are awarded directly by the BCCI.
BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke was not available for comment.
As a precaution, MCA has decided not to repeat the 67 stall owners who were present during the Test. “We informed our stall owners about the Legal Metrology rules but if there has been any violation it will be investigated. As a precautionary measure, we will not repeat the stall owners,” said Dr PV Shetty, MCA joint secretary.