The Bombay High Court has sharply criticised the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) over its decision to suspend the licences of five eateries operating on Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) premises.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad warned FDA officials of contempt action and even jail, questioning their approach to the matter.
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“Do you feel you are a lord and you can do anything?” the bench asked, according to PTI.
The MCA had challenged the FDA’s suspension order, which cited alleged hygiene violations and third-party operational irregularities. Although a fresh inspection found the eateries 88 per cent compliant with food safety rules, the FDA had initially maintained the suspension because the outlets were operated by Shirke Infrastructure while the licences were registered in the MCA’s name.
Following the court’s remarks, the FDA agreed to withdraw the suspension and issue a fresh notice to the MCA, giving it an opportunity to respond before a reasoned order is passed.
The court subsequently vacated the suspension, allowing the eateries to reopen. It also criticised the FDA for taking a “pedantic instead of pragmatic” view despite its earlier directions.
