6 Months Jail, 25k Fine for Selling Adulterated Food

Selling adulterated food should be punishable with a term of six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 25000, said a report proposed by the parliamentary panel during the Rajya Sabha session on Friday, November 10, 2023.

A parliamentary committee, chaired by BJP MP Brijlal, has suggested a mandatory six-month imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 25,000 for individuals involved in selling adulterated food or beverages. Expressing concern over the potential health risks posed by such products, the committee deemed the existing punishment insufficient for offenders under this provision.

The panel highlighted that the act of selling harmful food or beverages can impact the general public, emphasizing that the prescribed punishment for offenders in this particular clause is insufficient.

Referring to the sale of noxious food or drinks, the panel said 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.

"The committee recommends that a minimum punishment of six months be provided for the offence under this clause along with a minimum fine of ₹10,000," it said.

Currently, the offence of food adulteration is punishable with a term which may extend to six months, or with a fine which may extend to ₹1,000, or with both.

The Lok Sabha introduced the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS-2023) Bill on August 11, alongside the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS-2023) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA-2023) Bills. These three legislations aim to supersede the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1898, the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.