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Maharashtra Govt proposes life sentence for food adulterators
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Thursday, 14 January, 2010, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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 Concerned over the adverse impact on public health due to adulteration in food & beverage items, Maharashtra cabinet has approved a proposal to make such offences punishable by awarding life imprisonment.
The state cabinet has decided to amend five sections of the Indian Penal Code to punish offenders with life terms. Currently any offence for adulteration of food, drugs and drinks invites six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000.
Sections 272, 273, 274, 275 and 276 of the Indian Penal Code says, “Whoever adulterates any article of food or drink, so as to make such article noxious as food or drink, intending to sell such article as food or drink, or knowing it to be likely that the same will be sold as food or drink, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.”
“The decision was taken at a state cabinet meeting and the proposal would be sent to the governor and the Central government for issuing a notification,” an official from the chief minister office (CMO) said.
According to media reports, with this proposed move, the state will follow West Bengal, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh in implementing such provisions. However, despite Maharashtra being considered one of the most progressive states in the country, it has lagged far behind in introducing such a move: West Bengal made similar provisions way back in 1973, UP did so in 1975, and Orissa in 1999.
The food processors said that incidents of adulteration have risen considerably and bogus manufacturers and traders of these items are earning huge profits. The punishment of just six month imprisonment, as per current provisions, does not really deter them. Hence there was an urgent need to amend the provisions.
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