What is the maximum time limit for completing a summary trial under this Act?
Correct answer is: C. 30 days
Summary trials must be completed within 30 days.
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.
When was the Punjab Prevention of Hoarding Act 2020 enforced?
Correct answer is: B. 7/2020
The Act came into force in July 2020.
Can an appeal be filed against a trial decision?
Correct answer is: C. Yes, within 30 days
Appeal is allowed within 30 days.
What is the main objective of the Act?
Correct answer is: B. To prevent hoarding and ensure availability of essential items
The law’s aim is to stop hoarding and ensure supply of essentials.
Is there any reward for informers?
Correct answer is: C. Yes, 10% of value upon conviction
Informers receive 10% reward after conviction.
How is hoarding defined under the Act?
Correct answer is: B. Storing goods beyond allowed limit to create scarcity
Hoarding means keeping more than the allowed stock to create shortage.
Are protections for informers mentioned in the Act?
Correct answer is: B. No, no specific protections
Act does not explicitly mention protections.
Who is considered a dealer under the Act?
Correct answer is: C. Anyone making, storing, selling, or distributing essential goods
The law defines dealer broadly to include all handlers of essential goods.
Which of the following are examples of scheduled goods?
Correct answer is: B. Wheat, sugar, flour, fuel, masks, medicines, cement
These are listed as scheduled essential goods.
How many essential items are listed in the schedule of the Act?
Correct answer is: C. Over 40
The Act covers more than 40 scheduled essential items.
Are fuel and medicines included in the scheduled goods?
Correct answer is: B. Yes
Both fuel and medicines are explicitly included.
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.
Who is responsible for updating the list of essential goods?
Correct answer is: C. Government of Punjab
Punjab Government notifies updates to the list.
If a person is found not guilty, what happens to auction proceeds?
Correct answer is: B. Returned with earned profit
Innocent accused get full money back with profit.
What is the penalty for not reporting inventory?
Correct answer is: B. Imprisonment or fine
Non-reporting attracts punishment under the Act.
If convicted, what happens to auction proceeds?
Correct answer is: B. Confiscated by government
Proceeds are forfeited to the government if found guilty.
Are auctions allowed before final judgment?
Correct answer is: B. Yes, proceeds kept till court decision
Goods may be auctioned before judgment, money held until decision.