CHENNAI: Going by the Madras High Court verdict, even alcohol will be checked for purity. The court has directed officials of Food Safety to inspect the 16 distilleries in the state and take necessary action if required. The department can take action even if it does not match up to the standards of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The first bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar gave the direction when a PIL from V Sriraman came up for hearing, on Friday.
The PIL prayed for action against distilleries for manufacturing, bottling and selling spurious liquor through the TASMAC retail outlets.
“Authorities concerned shall inspect the distilleries concerned and ensure that the provisions of Food and Safety Standards Act 2006 are adhered to. Action shall be taken in case any contravention of any prescribed standards is found,” the bench said and issued notice to the distilleries and posted the matter for further hearing on November 22.
The petitioner, who himself was a victim, referred to a news item which stated that analysis of certain alcohol drinks doesn’t conform to standards. Certain items were maliciously certified by the Excise department supervisory officers and have been bottled for human consumption.