Handwara, Dec,30:Local transporters have raised serious allegations of overcharging and violation of Legal Metrology Department guidelines against Al Maqbool Dharam Kanta located at Watayan near about half km away from Police Chowki Chogal in north Kashmir’s Handwara area.
Transporters alleged that while most Dharam Kantas in Handwara and adjoining areas charge between ₹50 to ₹150 per weighing, the Watayan-based Dharam Kanta is forcibly charging ₹300 per turn from truck operators, including load carriers like 407 vehicles, which is nearly double or triple the prevailing rates.
A local transporter, Mahraj Ahmad Kaboo, termed the practice “unfortunate and unlawful.” He said that at other Dharam Kantas in Handwara, charges are ₹50 for load carrier 407 vehicles and ₹100 for LP trucks, strictly as per prescribed norms. He further alleged that the Watayan Dharam Kanta neither follows notified rates nor issues digital receipts, which is mandatory under Legal Metrology rules.
To verify the complaint, As per the ground report was carried out, which confirmed the allegations. Digital receipts obtained from other Dharam Kantas in Handwara showed significantly lower charges along with proper legal formalities.
For instance, Mir Feb Industries Kanta, Bypass Handwara issued Receipt No. 3496 dated 25-12-2025 for vehicle JK05N-6447, charging ₹50 for 201 kg. Similarly, M/S U Dharam Kanta, Bypass Road Handwara issued Receipt No. 5689 dated 01-09-2025 for vehicle JK09-81582, charging ₹50 for 345 kg, both with digital receipts and serial details.
In contrast, Al Maqbool Dharam Kanta issued a manual bill (No. 899 dated 28-12-2025) for vehicle JK01T-4218, charging ₹300 for only 60 kg, without any digital receipt clearly inconsistent with prevailing norms.When contacted, the Dharam Kanta owner, Shri Abid, admitted to charging ₹300 per weighing. He stated that since it is his “personal Dharam Kanta,” he is free to fix rates of his choice, adding that the charges were earlier ₹100, later increased to ₹200, and now ₹300. He further claimed he is not bound by any authority, a statement that has raised further concerns among transporters.
Reacting to the issue, Tehsildar Handwara, Zeeshan Khan, assured strict action against any violation of national rules and Legal Metrology norms.
Meanwhile, Assistant Controller Legal Metrology, Shri Mudasir Ahmad, termed the matter “very unfortunate” and confirmed that the owner has violated mandatory guidelines. He assured that a joint inspection by the Legal Metrology Department and Tehsil Administration will be conducted shortly and action will be taken as per law against those found violating government guidelines.
Transporters have demanded immediate intervention to ensure uniform rates, transparency, and strict enforcement of Legal Metrology rules to protect them from exploitation.
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