Bombay HC pulls up FDA for clean chit to government canteens amidst poor hygiene
The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for granting a clean chit to government canteens while cracking down on private eateries. A court-appointed panel of four lawyers found three Mantralaya canteens to be unclean, with broken sewage, drainage issues, and cockroaches/flies, contradicting the FDA's report of 98% compliance. The Bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge, emphasized that the FDA must be "fair, impartial and uniform" in its actions, questioning why a private restaurant received a suspension notice for similar deficiencies while government canteens were declared compliant.
Key Points
- Bombay High Court criticized Maharashtra FDA for biased action against private eateries versus government canteens.
- A court-appointed panel found Mantralaya canteens to have significant hygiene issues, including broken sewage and pests.
- FDA's report claimed 98% compliance for government canteens, contrasting with the panel's findings.
- The High Court stressed the need for fair and uniform enforcement of food safety regulations.
Exam Facts
- Court: Bombay High Court.
- Agency: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Location: Mantralaya (State Secretariat) canteens in Mumbai.
- Acting Chief Justice: Ravindra Ghuge.
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