In a recent judicial ruling, the Chandigarh Court has imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on Mohammad Sabir, a shopkeeper from Mani Majra, for operating a food business without the requisite license. Chief Judicial Magistrate Sachin Yadav also sentenced Sabir to imprisonment till the rising of the court.

Case Details: The action comes after the Food Safety Officer (FSO) filed a complaint against Sabir, accusing him of manufacturing and selling food items without a license, a mandatory requirement under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. During an inspection conducted in 2021 at Sabir’s sweet shop in Mani Majra, it was discovered that he was operating without a license.

Defense and Prosecution Arguments: Sabir’s counsel argued that the charges were baseless as no food samples or raw materials were collected at the time of inspection. However, the public prosecutor successfully demonstrated that Sabir had indeed been conducting his food business illegally without the necessary permissions. The court found sufficient evidence that Sabir was making ‘patisa’ sweets without a license.

Legal Implications and Community Impact: The verdict underlines the judiciary’s strict stance on adherence to food safety laws, emphasizing the importance of operating within the legal framework to ensure public health and safety. This case serves as a reminder to other local businesses about the critical need for compliance with food safety regulations.

The fine and sentence aim to deter similar violations in the future, protecting consumers from unregulated food practices. The Food Safety and Standards Authority continues to monitor and enforce regulations to maintain high standards of food safety in the region.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected unlicensed food operations to the authorities, ensuring that community health standards are upheld across Chandigarh.