Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 4: The High Court today observed that prosecution against food adulterators is adversely affected as there is no Legal Cell in place with the Government.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Alok Aradhe while hearing a Public Interest against the food adulteration has granted last opportunity to the State Government to take the efficient steps in order to remove all the deficiencies and place the action taken report before the Court in shape of affidavit with 10 days.
During the course of proceedings in the matter, Amicus Curie to the PIL, Senior Advocate Bashir Ahmad Bashir submitted before the Court that despite repeated orders, the authorities to some extent have improved, but still a lot has to be done by them to prevent the adulterated food from selling to general public as such he submitted, let Commissioner Food be directed to be present in the Court and he shall explain as to why despite Court orders, authorities have failed to implement the Food Safety Standards Act in its letter and spirit.
Court on perusal of the compliance report in terms of previous order, said the same is insufficient and only make references of issues taken up with the concerned departments.
Court also said that the staff for Food Safety Commission has not been addressed and recorded in the order that the court was inclined to impose heavy costs on the authorities but on the request of State counsel one more opportunity has been given.
Court on perusal of its previous order said the report is not in tune with its directions. Court on previous hearing had directed the concerned authorities to constantly check the poultry farms and ensure complete ban of use of antibiotics in the poultries.
Concerned Administrative Departments of the State Government were directed to have a constant check and monitor on the poultry farms, so that the poultry is reared in hygienic environment and ensure complete ban on the use of antibiotics like nalidixic acid and cirpofloxin or any other harmful ingredients in any poultry.
State counsel fairly submitted that the State is under an obligation to ensure the implementation of the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and further added that the State Government shall take all positive steps to ensure the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
Concerned Administrative Departments of the State Government were directed to ensure that the regular inspection of bakers shall be undertaken, and to take samples in order to check the ingredients used by them and not to allow them to sell pastry, cakes and loose biscuits without manufacturing and expiry date.
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