A parliamentary panel on Tuesday has recommended a minimum imprisonment of 6 months for those selling adulterated food or drinks along with a minimum fine of Rs 25,000.
In view of the serious health issues that can result from the consumption of adulterated food, the punishment provided for the offenders under this clause is inadequate, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs headed by BJP MP Brijlal stated.
It stated, “The committee recommends that a minimum punishment of 6 months be provided for the offence under this clause along with a minimum fine of Rs 25,000.”
Referring to the sale of noxious food or drinks, the panel stated the offence has the potential to affect the public at large and that the punishment provided for the offenders under this clause is also inadequate.
It stated, “The committee recommends that a minimum punishment of 6 months be provided for the offence under this clause along with a minimum fine of Rs 10,000.”
At present, the offence of food adulteration is punishable with a term which may extend to 6 months, or with fine which may extend to Rs 1,000, or with both.
The committee also described as a “welcome step” the introduction of “community service” as one of the punishments under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The panel stated, “This is a very commendable effort and a reformatory approach to tackle the delinquent. Its introduction as a punishment was appreciated by all stakeholders as it shall not only reduce the burden on the prison infrastructure by reducing the number of prison inmates but also improve the management of prisons in the country.” However, the committee stated, the term and nature of community service has not been specified.
The committee observes that the community service represents a form of unpaid work that offenders might be obligated to undertake as an alternative to incarceration.
It stated, “The committee, therefore, recommends that the term and nature of community service should be specified and be suitably defined.”
