The Maharashtra Molasses (Control) Act
The Maharashtra Molasses (Control) Act
The Maharashtra Molasses Control Act regulates the storage, pricing, supply, and distribution of molasses, a dark viscous liquid byproduct of sugar manufacturing. This law applies to all occupiers of sugar factories, commercial traders, and any other person handling molasses within Maharashtra. It matters because it ensures that critical sectors, including local distilleries and chemical industries, receive an equitable supply of this raw material at fair, controlled prices. By establishing an advisory board, requiring licenses, and empowering inspectors to search and penalize violators, the government actively prevents hoarding, stops illegal trade, and secures the state's broader industrial and economic development.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Molasses Board, its constitution and procedure.
- 4. Functions of Molasses Board.
- 5. Inspectors and their powers and functions.
- 6. Powers to control, supply, distribution, etc., of molasses.
- 7. Offence, penalty and forfeiture.
- 8. Offences by companies.
- 9. Cognizance of offences.
- 10. Compounding of offences.
- 11. Officers empowered to investigate offences.
- 12. Powers of entry, search, seizure and arrest.
- 13. Provisions of Criminal Procedure Code to apply to investigations, etc.
- 14. Report of seizure of molasses to Magistrate.
- 15. Delegation of powers.
- 16. Exemptions.
- 17. Power of State Government to call for and examine records of proceedings.
- 18. Officers and persons acting under the Act to be public servants.
- 19. Bar of proceedings.
- 20. Power to make rules.
PDF: pending for this language.