The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court was informed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that Wardha’s famous Goras Bhandar was inspected only four times during the last 65 years. The information was submitted before a Division Bench of Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode, which had earlier directed the FDA to place on record complete details of inspections carried out at the institution over the past several decades. The Court had also sought copies of inspection reports, observations and the action taken after each inspection. The matter will now be heard on July 7. During the hearing, there were indications that the FDA may consider withdrawing the action taken against Goras Bhandar.

 

The petition has been filed by the Wardha Tehsil Go-Dugdha Utpadak Sahakari Sangh Limited, challenging the action taken by the FDA on May 31 under the directions of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Advocate Firdos Mirza appeared for the petitioners, while Advocate Nitin Rao represented the State. According to the petition, Goras Bhandar was established in 1931 by Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave and Jamnalal Bajaj. Since 1954, the institution has been collecting and supplying around 9,000 litres of milk every day and provides livelihood to nearly 800 families from 15 villages in Wardha district.

 

The FDA had sealed the dairy unit after an inspection on May 31, claiming that unhygienic conditions were found at the premises. It also stopped milk collection, sale and dairy production until further orders. After their request to the District Collector failed to bring any relief, the society approached the High Court. During the proceedings, the FDA argued that it had the power to act under the Food Safety Act. However, the petitioners claimed that the action was taken without issuing any notice or giving them an opportunity to explain. The High Court orally observed that if it finds the action was not taken according to law, it can also order action against the concerned officials without giving them prior notice. The case will be heard further on July 7.