Bombay High Court Pulls Up Maharashtra FDA Over Excessive Raids on Eateries

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday criticized the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration over its drastic actions against food establishments in Mumbai, warning the regulator to use its powers judiciously or face heavy costs.

Observing that the agency "shoots first" before asking questions, the court stated that the Maharashtra FDA was using a "sword to kill a mosquito." The high court advised the regulator to act systematically after multiple cases involving its drastic actions came to its notice.

The warning comes amid a slew of recent raids carried out on food establishments, including several famous eateries. The enforcement drive picked up momentum after IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe was appointed at the helm of the agency in May.