Mumbai, Jul 29 The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the Maharashtra government to provide details of the inspections conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at canteens and food establishments run by government, semi-government institutions and statutory authorities in the state during its ongoing drive.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and Justice Gautam A Ankhad directed the state to submit a report by July 31 detailing the inspections carried across the state, including canteens operated directly or on a contract basis with government departments.
The bench is hearing a petition filed by Sanjay Nirbhavane, HR head of a five-star hotel in Navi Mumbai.
The hotel has challenged the suspension of its Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence for alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Questioning the FDA's action, the bench orally remarked, "You have to give the improvement notice and if the petitioner doesn't comply, you can suspend the licence. You did exactly the opposite."
Advocate Mayur Khandeparkar, appearing for the petitioner, argued that while the FDA is undertaking a state-wide drive, the action must be "just" and strictly follow due procedure, including issuing an improvement notice and providing an opportunity to be heard.
He submitted that the hotel's deficiency score fell within tolerable limits.
Defending the state authorities, government pleader Neha Bhide rejected allegations of a "pick and choose" approach.
She informed the court that canteens at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), KEM Hospital, and prominent establishments, such as the Cricket Club of India (CCI) were also shut down following suspension orders.
Bhide submitted that by July 31 they will apprise the court of all inspections conducted across Maharashtra, including details of state and semi-government eating facilities that are yet to be inspected.
The court said it would pass an order in due course, and posted the matter for further hearing on Friday.
The FDA, led by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, has been conducting a major crackdown against food joint operators flouting safety standards.
The Aurangabad bench of the HC last week stayed FDA suspension orders issued against certain milk suppliers and vendors.
