Now Reading: Maharashtra FDA challenges FSSAI in Bombay High Court over powers
-
01
Maharashtra FDA challenges FSSAI in Bombay High Court over powers
The Story in Brief
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved the Bombay High Court against the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the central government, alleging the creation of a parallel food safety system that undermines state authorities. Filed through the state food safety commissioner, the petition challenges a 12 May 2023 FSSAI circular that bars state officers from inspecting or acting against centrally licensed food businesses. Aaj Tak reports the petition also questions the FoSCoS online portal, accusing FSSAI of centralising licensing records.
The dispute stems from FSSAI’s turnover-based licensing changes effective 1 April 2026: registration for businesses up to Rs 1.5 crore annual turnover, state licence for Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 50 crore, and central licence above Rs 50 crore. Maharashtra FDA argues these changes were made without public consultation. TV9 Hindi adds that the state has sought quashing of the contested rules, a stay on the 2023 circular, and transfer of FoSCoS registration data back to state officers. The court is expected to hear the case on 26 November.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both Aaj Tak and TV9 Hindi report the same core facts: Maharashtra FDA’s petition challenges FSSAI’s 2023 circular and centralised licensing via FoSCoS. Aaj Tak frames the story as a centre-state jurisdictional conflict, quoting the state’s argument that the original Act intended decentralised enforcement. TV9 Hindi leads with the specific turnover slabs and licensing categories, giving readers a clear picture of the regulatory change. Neither outlet adopts a pro- or anti-government stance, both present the state’s allegations without endorsing them. The coverage is uniform straight reporting. The key open point is the court’s 26 November hearing, which will test whether the centre or state controls day-to-day food business oversight.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): aajtak.in (neutral report), tv9hindi.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
