High Court Orders Inspection of Its Own Canteens; Tukaram Mundhe's FDA Team Seals Three Facilities

Xtreme News India   31-07-2026 20:18:55   40186592

High Court Orders Inspection of Its Own Canteens; Tukaram Mundhe's FDA Team Seals Three Facilities

Mumbai (Special Correspondent): The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly conducts surprise inspections of private hotels, restaurants, and roadside food vendors to ensure hygiene and food safety. However, why are similar inspections not carried out in government offices and buildings such as Mantralaya? This pointed question was raised by Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge during an important hearing before the Bombay High Court. Rather than merely raising the issue, the court directed the FDA to inspect the canteens operating within the High Court premises itself.

 Acting promptly on the court's order, an FDA team led by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe carried out a major inspection at the High Court building on Thursday.

The unexpected action created considerable commotion within the court premises. During the inspection, officials found several serious irregularities. Three canteens operating inside the High Court complex were allegedly functioning for an extended period without the mandatory food safety licence. Despite lacking the required authorization, food was reportedly being prepared and sold to lawyers, staff, and visitors. Taking serious note of these violations, the FDA immediately sealed all three canteens. A fourth canteen was also inspected; while it was not sealed, certain technical and procedural deficiencies were found, following which a show-cause notice was issued.

Anticipating the FDA's inspection, the Bombay Bar Association voluntarily suspended the operation of its canteen and coffee services until further notice. The association's Honorary Secretary, Naushad Engineer, informed members that the contractor operating the facility did not possess a valid licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India>. Consequently, the association decided to halt operations on its own. By the time FDA officials reached the premises, the canteen had already been shut.

Although the facilities had been voluntarily closed, FDA officials issued formal notices directing that all unauthorized food operations cease immediately as part of the legal process. According to senior officials familiar with the matter, these canteens had previously sold only pre-packaged food items brought from outside. However, they had recently begun cooking fresh meals on-site without obtaining the necessary statutory approvals. The action reinforces the principle that food safety laws apply equally to private establishments, government offices, and judicial institutions alike.

High Court Gives FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe a "Free Hand"

The Bombay High Court has granted FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe full authority to take stringent action against establishments violating food safety and public health regulations. The court made it clear that no political interference or external pressure should influence enforcement, and that legal action must be initiated wherever violations are found.

Importantly, the court emphasized that hotels or food establishments owned by ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), or Members of Parliament (MPs) should not receive any special treatment or exemptions. It directed the FDA to conduct inspections and take strict legal action against violators regardless of their political influence. The ruling is expected to strengthen the FDA's enforcement drive and send a strong message to food business operators across Maharashtra.