Bombay High Court Restores Park Inn by Radisson’s Food Licence, Says 2 Insects Don’t Justify Suspension

The Bombay High Court has quashed the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) order suspending the food licence of Park Inn by Radisson, a four-star hotel in Navi Mumbai, holding that the action was not justified solely on the basis of finding two small insects during an inspection.

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad observed that the isolated finding had to be considered alongside the hotel's overall hygiene and operational standards, noting that the FDA itself had assessed the establishment with a 95 per cent compliance score. Maharashtra FDA Staff Allege Double Shifts, Severe Work Pressure Amid Staff Shortage.

Bombay HC Questions Suspension Over Two Insects

The FDA suspended the hotel's Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence on July 3, a day after carrying out a surprise inspection. The suspension order cited "serious lapses in hygiene, sanitation, food storage and food handling practices."

The hotel challenged the decision before the Bombay High Court, arguing that the suspension was disproportionate. During the hearing, the bench observed: "We are in India. We have to take a realistic stand." The court further held that the "solitary finding regarding the presence of two insects" did not justify the continued suspension of the hotel's licence. What Items Are Banned Under Maharashtra FDA’s School Junk Food Rules? Check Full List.

FDA Defends Action

Appearing for the Maharashtra FDA, Government Pleader Neha Bhide argued that there could be no compromise on food safety and hygiene. "There may be one insect or 10 insects, it doesn't matter. Non-compliance on this aspect cannot be conceded," she submitted. Bhide also argued that the Food Safety Act provides a statutory remedy of appeal before the Food Safety Commissioner.

However, the bench questioned whether the presence of two insects alone warranted the extreme step of suspending the licence when the establishment had otherwise substantially complied with food safety norms.

Court Orders Restoration of Licence

In a lighter moment during the hearing, Acting Chief Justice Ghuge remarked: "Last week, there was a cockroach on our desk too. There is also one fly." The court subsequently directed the authorities to immediately restore the hotel's FSSAI licence and allow it to resume its food business operations.

The bench also questioned whether food safety norms were being enforced uniformly across establishments. It directed the Maharashtra FDA to inspect government and semi-government food establishments, including canteens at Mantralaya and the Bombay High Court, and submit a report along with video recordings of the inspections.

Responding to the court, Government Pleader Neha Bhide said there was no "pick and choose" approach in enforcement. She informed the court that canteens operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, KEM Hospital, the Cricket Club of India and several prominent clubs in Mumbai had also been inspected and shut down for food safety violations.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 31, when the Maharashtra FDA is expected to place on record details of food safety inspections conducted across the state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2026 03:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).