The Punjab Prevention of Hoarding Act 2020 MCQs Questions Answers pdf download free.
Name of the law is
The Punjab Prevention of Hoarding Act 2020
Date of enforcement:
7/2020
Main objective:
To prevent hoarding and ensure availability of essential items
Definition of hoarding:
Storing goods beyond allowed limit to create scarcity
Who is a dealer?:
Anyone making, storing, selling, or distributing essential goods
Number of essential items listed:
Over 40
Punishment for hoarding:
Up to 3 years jail and 50% fine of hoarded goods’ value
Are offences bailable?:
No, they are non-bailable and cognizable
Authority to inspect/seize:
Deputy Commissioners and other notified officers
Can search be done without warrant?:
Yes, if reasonable grounds exist
Fate of seized goods:
Auctioned; proceeds held until case decision
If not guilty, is money returned?:
Yes, with any earned profit
If guilty, what happens?:
Proceeds forfeited to the government
Penalty for no stock records:
Up to 3 years jail or Rs. 1 million fine or both
Are companies liable?:
Yes, including responsible officers unless due diligence is proven
Are trials summary in nature?:
Yes
Time to complete summary trial:
30 days
Is appeal allowed?:
Yes, within 30 days
Is there a reward for informers?:
Yes, 10% of the value upon conviction
Are protections for informers provided?:
No specific protections mentioned
Examples of scheduled goods:
Wheat, sugar, flour, fuel, masks, medicines, cement
Are fuel and medicines included?:
Yes
Does law cover producers?:
Yes, including producers and wholesalers
Is hoarding allowed in emergencies?:
No, strictly prohibited
Does Act allow random inspections?:
Yes, with reasonable belief
Area of enforcement:
All over Punjab
Who updates essential goods list?:
Government of Punjab
Penalty for not reporting inventory:
Imprisonment or fine
Are auctions allowed before judgment?:
Yes, proceeds kept till court decision
Impact of the law:
Controls artificial shortages, stabilizes prices, ensures supply