Are fuel and medicines included in the scheduled goods?
Correct answer is: B. Yes
Both fuel and medicines are explicitly included.
MCQs on The Punjab Prevention of Hoarding Act 2020
Description: The Punjab Prevention of Hoarding Act 2020
The Punjab Prevention of Hoarding Act 2020 was enacted to control artificial shortages, stabilize market prices, and ensure the availability of essential goods to the public. The law strictly prohibits hoarding of more than the permitted quantity of scheduled items, which include over 40 essentials like wheat, sugar, flour, cement, fuel, medicines, and masks.
Key features of the Act include:
Strict Punishments: Up to 3 years imprisonment and heavy fines (50% of hoarded goods’ value).
Non-bailable Offences: All offences are cognizable and non-bailable.
Inspection & Seizure: Deputy Commissioners and notified officers are empowered to inspect, seize, and even conduct searches without warrant if reasonable grounds exist.
Auction of Goods: Seized goods are auctioned immediately, and proceeds are kept until final court decision. If acquitted, the dealer gets the money back with profit; if convicted, proceeds go to the government.
Company & Dealer Liability: Both individuals and companies, including their responsible officers, can be prosecuted.
Trials: Summary in nature, to be completed within 30 days, with a right of appeal within another 30 days.
Informers’ Reward: Informers are entitled to 10% of the value of hoarded goods upon conviction.
Province-wide Enforcement: Applicable across Punjab, with the list of essential items updated by the Government of Punjab.
👉 Overall, the Act serves as a legal weapon against profiteering and black-marketing, ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the people.
What is the punishment for hoarding under this Act?
Correct answer is: B. Up to 3 years jail and 50% fine of value of hoarded goods
Punishment is imprisonment up to 3 years and 50% value fine.
Does the Act also cover producers and wholesalers?
Correct answer is: B. Yes, including producers and wholesalers
Producers and wholesalers are covered under definition of dealer.
Are offences under this Act bailable?
Correct answer is: B. No, non-bailable and cognizable
The law makes offences non-bailable and cognizable.
Is hoarding allowed in emergencies under this Act?
Correct answer is: B. No, strictly prohibited
Hoarding is banned even during emergencies.
Who has authority to inspect or seize goods?
Correct answer is: B. Deputy Commissioners and other notified officers
DCs and notified officers have inspection/seizure powers.
Does the Act allow random inspections?
Correct answer is: B. Yes, with reasonable belief
Random inspections allowed if reasonable belief exists.
Can searches be carried out without warrant under this Act?
Correct answer is: B. Yes, if reasonable grounds exist
Warrantless searches allowed on reasonable belief.
What is the geographical area of enforcement of the Act?
Correct answer is: B. All over Punjab
The Act applies throughout Punjab.
What happens to seized goods?
Correct answer is: B. Auctioned and proceeds held till decision
Goods are auctioned, money kept until case is decided.