Tukaram Mundhe-Led FDA Halts Operations at 2 Bombay High Court Canteens After 'Inspect Government-Run Cafeterias' Order

Following a directive from the Bombay High Court to examine all government and semi-government eating establishments, Tukaram Mundhe-led Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials inspected canteens within the High Court premises on Thursday, July 30. The inspection resulted in operations being halted at two establishments operating without mandatory FSSAI licences, while a third received an improvement notice. The action follows court scrutiny regarding uniform food safety enforcement across public institutions.

High Court Inspections and Bar Association Response

The inspection covered three canteens on the High Court grounds: one operated by the Bombay Bar Association (BBA), another by the Advocates Association of Western India (AAWI), and a third designated for High Court staff. Ahead of regulatory actions, the BBA stated that it had independently chosen to suspend food and beverage services. IWish AI Founder Chinmay Singh Criticises Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe Over School Junk Food Ban.

FDA Official Inspect Bombay High Court Canteen

"Members are hereby informed that service of food and/or beverages in the BBA premises (through the canteen and coffee vendor) is temporarily discontinued until further intimation. This is a step initiated by the Association. No adverse communication or order or notice has been received by the Association from the FDA pursuant to their visit on 30th July 2026," the association noted in an official circular. Nitin Thakker, senior advocate and president of the Bombay Bar Association, told The Indian Express, "We voluntarily shut it down."

Maharashtra FDA Conducts Surprise Inspection of Canteens at the Bombay High Court

"We asked our canteen operator if he had a licence, and he wasn't sure, so we asked him to shut. At the same time, the FDA officials also came. When we told them, they said they wouldn't do anything, but later sent us the notice," he added, noting that the vendor had recently transitioned from selling pre-packaged goods to preparing fresh food on-site. FDA representatives confirmed that a declaration was secured from the operator noting the absence of an FSSAI licence. "Because they don't have an FSSAI licence, we can't suspend it," an official stated, explaining that a stop-business directive was issued instead due to the lack of active registration.

Background and Broader Crackdown

The inspections stem from court proceedings on Wednesday, July 29, wherein the High Court questioned the FDA regarding selective enforcement against private hotels and restaurants. The bench directed the agency to evaluate all government-run cafeterias - including those at the Mantralaya state secretariat and the High Court - and submit detailed status reports accompanied by video evidence. As part of the wider state-wide sweep targeting public facility compliance, the FDA also issued a stop-business notice to the Collector's office canteen.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2026 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).