DB directives in PIL against use of calcium carbide in fruit ripening

JAMMU, Oct 28: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Voice for Rights against use of calcium carbide in artificial fruit ripening, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Sanjeev Kumar has impleaded Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department as party respondent and sought action taken report from him.

“Pursuant to the directions passed vide order dated 20.09.2017, compliance report has been filed on behalf of Controller, Drugs & Food Control Organization by H A Siddiqui, Senior AAG with regard to the action taken against the vendors etc who had been found indulging in violating the various provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 Rules & Regulations, 2011”, the DB observed.

“Reference to order dated 20.09.2017 would show that action was also desired by this Bench in regard to cancellation of the allotments made in favour of the traders, who had been found indulging in the usage of calcium carbide for ripening of fruit. On this, Sr. AAG submits that action can only be taken by the Director, J&K Horticulture Planning & Marketing Department”, the DB further observed.

Accordingly, Division Bench impleaded Director Horticulture Planning & Marketing Department as party respodent and issued notice to Tarun Sharma, Government Advocate for submitting a report with regard to the action taken report on behalf of the Director pursuant to order 20.09.2017.

“Sanjeev Kumar, Assistant Controller, representing the Controller, Drugs & Food Control Organization submits that the organization has already taken an action against those persons, who had been found indulging in the adulteration of the milk and milk products. A detailed report shall also be filed stating the number of challans that had been preferred against the persons during the last six months with the name of court where the same are presently pending”, the DB said and directed the respondents to file a monthly action taken report in terms of order dated 20.09.2017 before the next date of hearing.