Rajasthan High Court Takes Action on Food Adulteration and Water Safety
In a significant move to address public health concerns, the Rajasthan High Court has issued directives to key state authorities regarding food safety and environmental management. The court's orders came during ongoing suo motu proceedings focused on food adulteration, highlighting the urgency of ensuring quality control in essential commodities.
Court Directs Dairy Federation on Milk Quality Protocols
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjiv Prakash Sharma and Justice Sangita Sharma has ordered the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) to provide comprehensive details on milk procurement, processing, and quality testing mechanisms. The bench emphasized that milk is a daily essential commodity, and any lapses in quality control could have direct and severe impacts on public health.
The court specifically directed RCDF to submit the standard operating procedures (SOPs) followed for milk collection, processing, and quality checks. Additionally, they must outline the testing protocols implemented before milk is supplied to consumers. This step aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the dairy supply chain, safeguarding consumers from potential adulteration risks.
Pollution Control Board Asked to Report on Sewage Treatment
Simultaneously, the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) has been instructed to furnish a detailed report on the operational status of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) across the state. The court seeks information on:
- The number of functional STPs
- The number of non-operational STPs
- The conditions under which these plants are running
The bench raised concerns over the management of untreated sewage in districts where STPs are inadequate or absent, noting that this could lead to contamination of water sources. This directive underscores the court's focus on environmental health as a critical component of overall public safety.
Concerns Over Food Testing Infrastructure
The court also questioned the adequacy of food testing infrastructure in Rajasthan. With the state now comprising 44 districts, the bench pointed out that only 11 food testing laboratories and approximately 211 testing facilities are available. This disparity raises issues about the effectiveness of vegetable testing and other food safety measures.
Judges orally observed that uneven testing mechanisms cannot guarantee uniform food safety standards across different districts. This highlights a systemic challenge in ensuring consistent quality control, which is essential for preventing adulteration and protecting consumer health.
Legal Proceedings and Future Hearings
Both RCDF and RSPCB have been impleaded as party respondents in the suo motu case related to food adulteration. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 6, when responses from these authorities will be presented before the court. This ongoing judicial scrutiny reflects the high court's commitment to addressing public health issues through legal oversight and accountability measures.
The court's actions signal a proactive approach to tackling food safety and environmental concerns, aiming to establish robust systems that protect the well-being of Rajasthan's residents. By demanding detailed reports and transparency, the judiciary seeks to bridge gaps in infrastructure and enforcement, ensuring a safer and healthier future for all.
