Interpretation of packaged commodity definitions referred to a Larger Bench for reconsideration under the statutory scheme.

The controversy concerned the scope of "commodity in packaged form" under Section 2(b) of the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976 and "pre-packed commodity" under Rule 2(l) of the Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977. The Court considered whether the interpretation of these expressions required reconsideration in light of the statutory scheme and an earlier decision relied upon by the State. It directed that all appeals be placed before the Chief Justice of India for listing before a Larger Bench.

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Issues: Whether the appeals should be referred for consideration by a Larger Bench on the question of the scope of "commodity in packaged form" and "pre-packed commodity" under the relevant statutory provisions.

Analysis: The Court noted that the controversy turned on the interpretation of the expression "commodity in packaged form" under Section 2(b) of the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976 and "pre-packed commodity" under Rule 2(l) of the Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977. It considered the earlier decision relied upon by the State and the contention that the issue required reconsideration in light of the statutory scheme and the scope of the definitions.

Conclusion: The Court directed that all the appeals be placed before the Chief Justice of India for listing before a Larger Bench.

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