A day after questioning whether government canteens were being inspected, the Bombay High Court saw FDA officials inspect eateries within its own premises, leading to action against one canteen.
Bombay High Court Questions Scope of FDA’s Inspection Drive
The Bombay High Court has questioned whether Maharashtra’s ongoing food safety enforcement drive is being applied uniformly across both private establishments and government-run canteens.
The issue arose during proceedings where the Bench sought clarification from the State on whether inspections extended beyond restaurants and hotels to eateries functioning inside government and semi-government institutions.
The matter was heard by Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad.
FDA Conducts Inspection Inside High Court Premises
A day after the Court’s observations, officials from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected three canteens operating within the Bombay High Court complex.
During the inspection, one canteen was directed to suspend operations after officials found that it allegedly lacked a valid licence under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The remaining two canteens were issued improvement notices, while food samples were also collected for examination.
Court Examines Allegations of Unequal Enforcement
The High Court’s concerns centred on whether the FDA’s statewide crackdown was being implemented consistently across all institutions.
During the hearing, questions were raised over whether government offices, public institutions and semi-government bodies were subject to the same level of scrutiny as private restaurants.
The State informed the Court that details of inspections carried out across Maharashtra, including government canteens, would be placed on record.
Inspection Drive Expanded to Institutional Canteens
The FDA’s recent enforcement campaign has focused on improving food safety and hygiene standards across the State.
Initially aimed at restaurants, hotels and food establishments, the inspections have now expanded to institutional kitchens and canteens functioning within public offices.
Authorities stated that a detailed report of the inspection conducted inside the High Court premises would be prepared before any formal action is finalised.
Matter Returns Before the High Court
The issue resurfaced before the High Court after concerns were raised regarding inspection standards at certain government canteens.
The Bench questioned whether a uniform yardstick was being followed while evaluating hygiene and licensing compliance across different establishments.
The Court has now sought a comprehensive response from the State Government explaining the inspection methodology and addressing allegations of selective enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Bombay High Court questioned whether FDA inspections were limited to private eateries.
- FDA inspected three canteens functioning inside the High Court premises.
- One canteen was directed to stop operations over an alleged licensing issue.
- Improvement notices were issued to two other canteens.
- The Court has sought the State’s explanation regarding uniform enforcement of food safety standards.
- The matter will continue after the State files its response.
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Case Details
Court: Bombay High Court
Bench: Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad
Date of Hearing: August 2026
Keywords: Bombay High Court, Food Safety, FDA Maharashtra, FSSAI
