Nagpur High Court Takes Serious Note of Alleged Food Safety Lapses in Government Hostels
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has issued a formal notice to the Maharashtra government after receiving serious allegations regarding the quality and safety of food being served to students in government-run hostels for backward classes. This judicial intervention has prompted a thorough scrutiny of the social justice department's food supply system, raising critical questions about administrative oversight and student welfare.
PIL Highlights Widespread Irregularities in Food Supply System
The court notice was issued during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that brought to light widespread irregularities in the food supply to approximately 25 hostels and two government residential schools within the Nagpur division. All these institutions reportedly receive their meals through a single private contractor, creating a centralized system that has now come under judicial examination.
A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode took cognizance of the serious allegations and sought an immediate response from the state government. The bench further directed the petitioner to submit a detailed affidavit questioning the entire food supply contract process, indicating the court's intention to conduct a comprehensive review of the system.
Shocking Allegations of Substandard and Unhygienic Food
The petition, filed by social activist Prashant Bansod of the Bhim Army through counsel Apurv De, contains disturbing allegations that students have been repeatedly served "substandard, stale and unhygienic food" that poses serious health risks and violates their fundamental rights. The plea documents multiple instances where insects, maggots, and even safety pins were allegedly discovered in food served at various hostels.
Specific incidents highlighted in the petition include:
- On October 7, 2024, insects were found in meals served at Vasant Nagar Girls' Hostel
- On February 9, 2024, a hostel superintendent lodged an official complaint after several students reported stomach aches and suspected food poisoning following consumption of stale food supplied by the contractor
- Repeated supply of stale chicken to hostel students
- Provision of adulterated and diluted milk to students
Systematic Violation of Government Nutritional Guidelines
The petition further contends that the current situation represents a clear breach of a government resolution dated November 6, 2023, which specifically mandated nutritious meals for hostel students. According to these binding norms, students should receive:
- Proper breakfast
- Fresh fruits
- Two eggs daily
- Non-vegetarian food twice a week
- 200 ml of Tetra Pak milk
Despite these clear guidelines, the petitioner alleges that the nutritional standards are being "openly and consistently violated", depriving students of their right to adequate nutrition and proper development.
Lack of Basic Safeguards and Administrative Negligence
The petition also raises concerns about the absence of basic institutional safeguards within these hostels. According to the allegations, the facilities lack essential components such as qualified dieticians, proper diet charts, and mandatory food inspection committees that should monitor food quality and safety standards.
Perhaps most troubling is the claim that repeated complaints by both students and hostel superintendents to the social welfare department have yielded no corrective action. The petition describes this inaction as administrative negligence and suggests a biased approach that appears to favor the contractor over student welfare.
The judicial scrutiny initiated by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court represents a significant development in addressing these serious allegations. As the case progresses, it is expected to shed light on the systemic issues affecting food quality in government-run hostels and potentially lead to substantial reforms in how nutritional services are provided to students from backward classes in Maharashtra.
