The Legal Metrology department in Ernakulam has stepped up vigilance in its efforts to crack down on violations during the Onam season. The department has formed three inspection squads to cover different parts of the district. The violations that have been detected so far include the use of non-standard measures and unverified weights and measures by flower merchants. The department has slapped nine cases against traders involved in the flower business and imposed a total fine of ₹18,000 on them. The inspectors affiliated with the squads have also come across cases where traders have failed to provide important details on packaged commodities, such as the maximum retail price (MRP), content, net weight, and expiry date. This is a violation of Rule 6 of the Legal Metrology Act. In a recent drive conducted in certain areas, two such cases were detected and a total fine of ₹10,000 was imposed on the violators. The Legal Metrology department has urged the public to report any violations, especially during the festival season. Shopkeepers who hoard provisions and sell old stocks will also be targeted by the Department of Civil Supplies and the police, who will conduct surprise checks at commercial establishments to prevent attempts to deceive customers. This crackdown on violations is aimed at ensuring that consumers are not cheated and that fair practices are followed during the Onam season.