‘Do you feel you are a lord?’ Bombay HC slams FDA, clears reopening of 5 eateries

The Bombay High Court has reprimanded the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for refusing to lift the suspension of food licenses for five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) premises. Despite a fresh inspection revealing the eateries to be 88% compliant with food safety regulations, the FDA persisted with the suspension, citing contractual issues with M/s Shirke Infrastructure.

The court, in a scathing verdict, deemed the FDA's approach as "pedantic" rather than "pragmatic." The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad expressed their exasperation, warning of contempt action against the FDA officials. They emphasized the court's earlier directive to reconsider the matter with a pragmatic approach.

The court also questioned the FDA's "undue haste" in the matter, challenging their decision-making process. The dispute arose after the FDA suspended the licenses last week, leading to a court order for a fresh inspection, which found the eateries largely compliant. The MCA had contested the FDA's decision, arguing that the restaurants were operated by Shirke Infrastructure, whereas the licences were registered in the MCA's name. The court ultimately vacated the suspension orders, allowing the eateries to reopen.