Bombay High Court Criticizes FDA's Actions Against Private Hotels
The Bombay High Court has taken a strong stance against the FDA's enforcement actions targeting private hotels in Maharashtra, insisting that food safety laws must apply equally to government institutions. During a recent hearing, the court questioned the FDA's claims regarding the cleanliness of the ministry's canteen, prompting an inspection by a team of lawyers. The court's skepticism about the FDA's assurances of a pest-free environment highlights the need for consistent regulatory practices across all establishments. The next hearing is scheduled for today at 3 PM, where the findings from the inspection will be discussed.
Jul 31, 2026, 15:50 IST
Court's Firm Stance on FDA's Enforcement Actions
The Bombay High Court took a strong position on Friday regarding the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) actions against private hotels and food chains in Maharashtra. The court emphasized that the law should not only apply to private entities but must also be enforced equally on government and semi-government institutions. During the hearing, the FDA mentioned that it had inspected the ministry's canteen, where no pests were found. Additionally, the FDA requested more time to submit its response to the court, which subsequently scheduled the next hearing for today at 3 PM.
Bombay HC Sends Team to Inspect Ministry Canteen
Bombay HC Questions FDA's Claims
On Friday, the Bombay High Court expressed its discontent with the FDA's actions against private hotels, especially since the FDA claimed that the ministry's canteen was 98% clean. Following this revelation, the court dispatched a team of four lawyers to investigate the ministry. The court raised concerns about the FDA's approach towards enforcing regulations solely on private establishments, asserting that the law should be uniformly applicable. The FDA informed the court that it had also examined the ministry's canteen and submitted reports related to government and semi-government institutions, stating that action was taken wherever discrepancies were found.
FDA's Assurance on Pest-Free Ministry Canteen
High Court Skeptical of FDA's Findings
The FDA assured the court that no pests were detected in the ministry's canteen. The High Court dismissed this assertion as "laughable," pointing out that even high-end five-star hotels occasionally have flies or small insects. The court questioned how it could be claimed that the ministry's canteen was entirely free of pests. Subsequently, the Bombay High Court inquired whether it should order an inspection of the ministry's canteen by 3 PM today and direct strict actions if pests were found. The court then appointed a team of four lawyers to inspect the canteen, clearly instructing that the entire inspection be recorded on video and a new report be submitted to the court. The next hearing is set for today at 3 PM, when the inspection report will be presented.