Bombay HC questions Mantralaya canteen cleanliness, orders reinspection

Court raises doubts over hygiene certification

The Bombay High Court on Friday questioned the validity of a cleanliness certificate issued to the canteen at Mantralaya, the Maharashtra government secretariat. The court's remarks came during a hearing on a petition concerning hygiene standards at the facility, which serves hundreds of government employees and visitors daily.

Observing that the certificate appeared to have been issued without proper verification, the division bench directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a fresh inspection. In an unusual move, the court also asked practising lawyers to accompany the FDA team to ensure transparency in the assessment.

Concerns over food safety compliance

The canteen at Mantralaya has been under scrutiny for alleged lapses in food safety and sanitation. The petitioner had earlier raised complaints about the quality of food and the state of the kitchen, prompting the court to take a serious view of the matter.

During the hearing, the bench noted that the cleanliness certificate was issued despite apparent shortcomings, calling into question the efficacy of the inspection process. The court emphasised that public institutions must adhere to strict hygiene norms, given the large number of people they serve.

Reinspection ordered with legal oversight

To ensure an unbiased evaluation, the court directed the FDA to reinspect the canteen premises in the presence of lawyers appointed by the court. The legal representatives will observe the process and submit a detailed report to the court on their findings.

The FDA officials have been asked to check all aspects of the canteen's operations, including food storage, preparation areas, waste disposal, and pest control measures. The report is expected to be filed within a specified timeframe, following which the court will decide on further action.

Response from authorities

Neither the FDA nor the Maharashtra government has issued an official statement on the court's order so far. Officials familiar with the matter indicated that the reinspection would be conducted at the earliest, though no date has been announced yet.

The canteen management, meanwhile, has declined to comment on the allegations, saying they would cooperate fully with the court-directed inspection.

Broader implications

The case highlights recurring concerns about food safety in government-run facilities across the state. While the Mantralaya canteen is not the only such establishment to face scrutiny, its location at the heart of Maharashtra's administration adds to the significance of the court's intervention.

Legal experts note that the involvement of lawyers in the inspection process is an unusual step, aimed at instilling public confidence in the system. It also sets a precedent for how similar complaints could be handled in other public institutions.

The next hearing is scheduled for a date to be announced, by which time the FDA and the appointed lawyers are expected to submit their report. The court will then determine whether the canteen's cleanliness certificate should be revoked or renewed.