*Pune Saraf Association & Ors Vs Union of India & Ors*
*Forum-Bombay High Court*
*Date-27th May 2021*
*Sub-Whether mandatory Hallmarking of Gold order issued by Government of Maharashtra for sale of gold jewellery is valid even when there are inadequate facilities for hallmarking of gold in the State*

The vacation bench of Bombay High court in this case was considering the writ challenging the *Hallmarking of Gold Order 2020 **which prescribed compulsory hallmarking of gold jewellery before it is sold and breach was punishable with an imprisonment of one year and the order is effective from 1st June, 2021. The court noted that though hallmarking is essential for consumer protection and to prevent unfair trade practices, adequate and necessary infrastructure needs to first be put in place prior to imposing such strict consequences on the violators. Thus, the court though did not stay the order in view of the guidelines issued by apex court in such cases, directed the authorities not to take coercive action for default in complying with the order till next hearing and till the infrastructure is put in place and the matter is now posted for further hearing on 29th June.

This order will be useful for all jewellers, though the consumers also should take note of this order for compliance with hallmarking of gold jewellery

Ramesh Patodia
28-05-2021