'We Are In India, Be Realistic': Bombay HC Quashes 4-Star Hotel Licence Suspension Over Two Insects

Published 30 July 2026 · local

'We Are In India, Be Realistic': Bombay HC Quashes 4-Star Hotel Licence Suspension Over Two Insects Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 07:48 IST

'We Are In India, Be Realistic': Bombay HC Quashes 4-Star Hotel Licence Suspension Over Two Insects Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 07:48 IST Bombay High Court questions FDA’s crackdown on eateries, urges realistic enforcement, while backing public health concerns as multiple establishments challenge licence suspensions. Rapid Read Bombay High Court (Representational image) The Bombay High Court on Wednesday raised concerns over the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) crackdown on eateries, saying the regulator must take a “realistic view" while enforcing food safety rules. At the same time, the court noted that public health cannot be ignored. A division bench led by Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge made the remarks while hearing a plea by Park Inn by Radisson in Navi Mumbai. The hotel challenged the suspension of its food licence after a surprise FDA inspection earlier this month. The hotel is among nearly 100 establishments across Maharashtra whose licences have been suspended in a statewide drive by the FDA. Court Flags ‘Realistic Approach’ Appearing for the hotel, advocate Mayur Khandeparkar argued that the FDA acted without giving proper written reasons.

He also questioned the standard used to suspend licences. “One cockroach or 10 cockroaches is not the issue. But a checklist cannot be a reason for suspension," Khandeparkar said, adding that minor lapses should not lead to such strict action. During the hearing, the bench also spoke about insects in public spaces and made a light remark. “Last week, there was a big insect sitting right in front of my table, on my table. So, what can we do…in India? I was telling you about a fly, no? Just now there is a fly. We are in India. We want to take a realistic step," Acting Chief Justice Ghuge said after a fly reportedly appeared in court. Addressing government pleader Neha Bhide, the bench added, “We are in India Madam, you have to take a realistic stand." Bhide, however, defended the FDA’s action. She said the regulator cannot be lenient as food safety directly affects public health. The bench also asked whether inspections were being carried out at government-run facilities. It even questioned if the High Court canteen had been checked.

Bhide replied that the BMC canteen’s licence had been suspended and that the Mantralaya canteen was raided last year, leading to suspension. The court then ordered an inspection of the High Court canteen by Thursday, with a report due on Friday. Wider Crackdown Under Scanner The Park Inn case is not the only challenge. Poornima, a well-known Udupi restaurant near the High Court, has also moved court after its licence was suspended. Its plea is likely to be heard by Friday. In its petition, the restaurant alleged procedural lapses. It claimed officials acted in a high-handed manner, manipulated records and did not follow due process under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The FDA has stepped up inspections after reportedly adding over 40 food safety officers this year. As part of the drive, licences of five Mumbai clubs, Cricket Club of India, MIG Cricket Club, RK Juhu Gymkhana, Aparna Juhu Gymkhana and Willingdon Sports Club, were suspended over hygiene and structural issues. The FDA said inspections found pest infestations, poor storage, damaged infrastructure, weak temperature checks and lapses in staff hygiene.