Bombay High Court raises several questions !
(FDA stands for the Food and Drug Administration.)
Mumbai - Observing that the five-star hotel had complied with all hygiene regulations, the Bombay High Court ordered the restoration of the business licence of a five-star hotel in Navi Mumbai, whose licence had been suspended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Court noted that while the prescribed minimum cleanliness standard was 79%, the hotel had achieved 95% cleanliness. Therefore, merely finding one or two cockroaches in the kitchen was not sufficient justification for continuing the suspension of its licence.
During the hearing, the Bombay High Court also questioned the manner in which the Food and Drug Administration had carried out its action. The FDA is currently conducting large-scale enforcement drives.
The Court further asked, "How many hotels owned by ministers have been inspected so far? Against how many canteens in government establishments has action been taken? Why is strict action being taken only against eateries in private establishments? Have the kitchens of the canteens in the Mantralaya ever been inspected?"
The Court directed the FDA to immediately inspect the canteens in the Mantralaya, the High Court, and all other government and semi-government establishments.
During the hearing, Government Advocate Neha Bhide submitted that no compromise could be made on hygiene standards. In response, the Court observed that temporary suspension of a licence should be resorted to only in cases of serious violations, and not for every violation of the regulations.