In an effort to curb the rising milk adulteration issues, the Supreme Court of India on last day directed the centre government and state governments to take stricter action against the offenders.It also asked the concerned authorities to increase the punishment for the adulteration crimes as it directly affects the health of people.Presently, those culprits who are found guilty in such crimes will only get a mere sentence of six months. The court identified that the present punishment is insufficient to curb the menace of adulteration.
Around four months ago, the centre government’s parliament member, while speaking in the parliament, admitted that around two out of three people living in our country drink adulterated milk.On the wake of such revelations, the court raised concerns about the health of people particularly infants and children who are consuming those milk daily.The three-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur, was hearing a petition filed by Swami Achyutanand Tirth of Haridwar. As per report, the petition was actually submitted around four years ago.The SC bench came down heavily on the centre government, saying the concerned authorities have not shown any enthusiasm to amend the Food Safety and Standard Act even after the court repeatedly directed the authorities to amend the inefficient law.To curb the milk adulteration effectively, the SC issued several directives including implementing FSSAI law effectively, opening new labs, identifying the vulnerable regions and unveiling informative websites.
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