The Supreme Court in a recent case has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought criminal action and the prohibition of companies allegedly producing adulterated honey without proper authorization. The PIL also called for the submission of test reports for various honey brands to authenticate their products in the Indian market.
On April 19, 2021, the Court issued notices to the Central government and concerned States. The petitioner informed Justices Vikram Nath and Rajesh Bindal that only the State of Tamil Nadu among the 40 respondents had responded. Justice Nath questioned the merit of the case, suggesting the dismissal of all petitions with costs. He raised doubts about the petitioner's sponsors, mentioning brands like Dabur, Patanjali, and Zandu.
Justice Bindal expressed skepticism about the petition, stating that the petitioner seemed to advocate for a specific brand. Consequently, the bench dismissed the PIL, and Justice Nath advised approaching relevant authorities to address concerns about adulteration.
The PIL, brought by the Anti-Corruption Council of India and represented by Advocate Manju Jetley, referred to online reports indicating an inquiry by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The petition claimed that honey from brands like Dabur, Patanjali, and Zandu was found adulterated with sugar syrup, posing health risks and increasing susceptibility to COVID-19.
The PIL alleged that prominent Indian honey brands were blending honey with altered sugar from China, bypassing essential tests for honey in the Indian market. The CSE claimed that Chinese companies were shipping sugar syrup labeled as 'fructose syrup' to India, potentially evading required tests for honey sale.
Case: Anti Corruption Council Of India Trust v. Ministry Of Home Affairs & Ors,
WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO.418 OF 2021.
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