Maharashtra moves the Bombay High Court to challenge enforcement and regulatory arrangements under India’s food safety law, arguing that FSSAI rules and directives limit the state’s inspection and licensing authority. The state’s petition is presented through the State Commissioner of Food Safety and disputes how responsibilities are exercised across state and central levels.
Across the reports, the challenge centers on claims that the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA) aims for decentralised regulation, with state commissioners and designated officers handling licensing and enforcement. The state argues that the Centre and FSSAI have developed a more centralised “parallel” system, including via regulations and administrative structures that the petition says are not envisaged by the parent legislation.
Some outlets emphasise the alleged impact on state inspection powers, including a directive reported as barring state food safety officers from inspecting certain establishments holding central licences. Other reporting highlights which specific regulatory measures are under challenge, referencing licensing, recruitment, and amendment regulations. One outlet frames the case around “usurping” of state powers, while others focus more directly on the state’s move to court and the specific mechanisms cited in the petition.
