The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken serious note of an alarming case of food contamination at Pakela Residential Potacabin School in Sukma district. Vegetables intended for 426 students were allegedly found laced with phenyl, a chemical that can be fatal even in small quantities. The court described the episode as not merely negligence but a criminal act that endangered the lives of children.
Court’s Observations
A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, while hearing a suo motu PIL, said the magnitude of the incident was “shocking.” The judges stressed that such recurring cases of unhygienic or unsafe food served to children were unacceptable and could destroy public faith in the safety of residential schools. The court underlined that the lives of hundreds of students and the trust of their families had been put at risk.
Directives to the State Administration
The High Court issued a detailed set of instructions to the chief secretary of Chhattisgarh to ensure strict food safety standards across schools, hostels, and anganwadi centres. The court has also asked the chief secretary to file an affidavit by September 17, 2025, outlining the steps taken in response to the order.
Key Measures Ordered by the Court
- Daily tasting and certification of meals by teachers, with proper records maintained.
- Kitchens to be inspected frequently, and chemicals must be stored separately from food supplies.
- Appointment of nodal officers in every district and holding heads of institutions accountable.
- Mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in kitchens and dining halls of hostels and residential schools.
- Training sessions on food hygiene, handling, and emergency preparedness.
- First-aid kits, antidotes, and immediate medical tie ups with nearby PHCs or CHCs.
- FIRs to be filed promptly in all cases of deliberate contamination.
- Formation of parent-teacher committees and launch of a state level helpline for food safety complaints.
- Independent audits of mid day meals and hostel food every quarter, half year, and annually by food safety officers.
Warning to Authorities
The bench cautioned the state administration that any lapse in implementing these safety measures would be dealt with strictly. The judges emphasized that protecting children’s health and well being must be the highest priority, and the system should remain vigilant at all times to prevent such incidents.
Date : 30 & 31 Aug 2025 (2 Days) Time : 10 AM to 5 PM Fee: Rs. 3000
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