A recent investigation by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has uncovered the use of counterfeit ISI certification labels at a drinking water plant owned by the son of a DMK Rajya Sabha MP.
Kalyanasundaram, a DMK member of the Rajya Sabha, hails from Pampapadaiyur near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district. His son, Muthuselvam, operates a packaged drinking water business named ‘Holy Drop Packaged Drinking Water’ located in the same area.
Following a complaint received at the BIS Madurai office alleging the use of fake ISI labels on bottled water, an inspection team led by Dayanand, a BIS scientist and chairman, carried out a raid on 25 June 2025.
During the operation, officials seized 17,534 bottles of drinking water of various sizes bearing counterfeit ISI marks under multiple brand names such as Bryn Aqua, Active Aqua, and Winway. In addition, around 380,000 fake ISI labels were confiscated, and a notice was issued to the company.
BIS officials confirmed that legal proceedings are being initiated under Section 17 in conjunction with Section 29 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The law prescribes strict penalties, including imprisonment up to two years and a minimum fine of ₹2 lakh for the first offense, and fines of ₹5 lakh or up to ten times the value of the goods for repeat violations. The authorities indicated that once the investigation is complete, a criminal complaint will be filed, and appropriate action will be taken under the Indian Standards Act.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.