Bombay High Court Orders Fresh Inspection of Maharashtra Government Canteens

The Bombay High Court questioned the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for focusing its hygiene drive on private eateries while overlooking government-run facilities. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad, demanded details of inspections at public canteens, including the Mantralaya canteen, and ordered a fresh, videographed inspection by a four‑member team of lawyers.

Following the court’s directive, the FDA inspected three canteens inside the High Court complex. The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) canteen received a stop‑business order for operating without a valid FSSAI licence, while two other canteens were issued improvement notices. The regulator is preparing a detailed inspection report, underscoring that food safety laws must be applied uniformly to both private and government establishments.