The Delhi High Court has granted significant relief to shopkeepers and suppliers involved in the infamous Maggi controversy of 2015, dismissing all criminal cases filed against them. The court stated that prosecuting shopkeepers based solely on preliminary reports is unjustified when Supreme Court and government scientific investigations have proven Maggi to be safe.
What decision did the Delhi High Court give?
A bench headed by Justice Madhu Jain stated that the allegations against Maggi had been proven false by subsequent scientific investigations. Therefore, continuing protracted criminal proceedings against retailers and suppliers was not in the interests of justice. The court ordered the termination of all pending criminal proceedings.
What was the Maggi controversy of 2015?
In May 2015, Maggi samples were collected from across the country. Initial food analyst reports claimed that Maggi’s Masala Tastemaker contained lead above the recommended limit of 2.5 ppm. Furthermore, monosodium glutamate (MSG) was also found, despite the label “No Added MSG” on the package. Subsequently, Maggi sales were banned in several states, and cases were filed against shopkeepers, suppliers, and the manufacturing company.
What did the CFTRI and Supreme Court investigations reveal?
After the Bombay High Court lifted the ban on Maggi in August 2015, the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, conducted a re-test on the Supreme Court’s direction. The report confirmed that the lead and MSG levels in Maggi were within the prescribed standards. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) later concluded that there was no conclusive scientific evidence to prove Maggi unsafe.
Why did shopkeepers get relief?
The court stated that it would be unfair to continue prosecuting only the shopkeepers and suppliers who sold the product when scientific investigations and findings from higher courts did not support the initial allegations. Therefore, all criminal cases were dismissed.
Impact of the decision
This decision by the Delhi High Court brings significant relief to small shopkeepers and suppliers who have been facing legal action for nearly nine years. Furthermore, it clarifies that the allegations of lead and MSG in Maggi could not be substantiated by subsequent scientific testing, thereby clarifying the situation for consumers.