In Brief
This public interest writ petition challenged the widespread adulteration of milk with hazardous substances across India. A 2011 national survey found 68.4% of milk samples adulterated, particularly in States like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The Court held that safe food is part of the right to life under Article 21. While the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 provides a comprehensive regulatory framework, the Court directed the Union and State Governments to strengthen enforcement through rigorous inspections, periodic surveys, improved laboratory infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and to amend penal provisions making punishment for adulteration more deterrent and at par with state-level amendments enhancing sentences to life imprisonment. The petition was disposed with detailed directions for systemic improvements in food safety oversight.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.