The Bombay High Court has quashed the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) suspension of the food licence of a star hotel in Navi Mumbai, ruling that the discovery of only two cockroaches during an inspection was not sufficient to justify such a drastic action.
The court observed that the hotel's inspection report showed around 95% compliance with hygiene, maintenance and operational standards, with the only significant adverse finding being two cockroaches in the dishwasher and sweet preparation areas. It held that suspending the licence despite overall compliance was disproportionate.
During the hearing, the bench remarked that authorities must adopt a "realistic approach" in enforcing food safety regulations, noting that regulatory action should be proportionate to the nature of the violation. The hotel also assured the court that it would continue to maintain the highest standards of sanitation and comply with all food safety norms.
At the same time, the High Court questioned whether the FDA's ongoing inspection drive was being applied uniformly across Maharashtra. It directed the state to inform whether government and semi-government canteens, including those at Mantralaya and other public institutions, were also being inspected and ordered fresh inspections of such facilities.