Rajasthan fourth state to declare food adulteration a non-bailable offence

Rajasthan became the fourth state to declare food adulteration a non bailable offence after UP, west Bengal and Odisha

The assembly on Saturday passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2021 to increase the punishment for food and medicine adulteration. Under the new amendment, the offence has been made cognizable and non-bailable and will invite a sentence ranging from three years to life term along with a penalty of Rs 50,000.

Sections 272 to 276 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with offences relating to adulteration of food, drink, drug or medical preparations. The offences are punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to Rs 1000, or with both. The offences are non-cognizable and except offences related to adulterating any drug or medical preparation under Section 274, the offences under sections 272, 273, 275 and 276 are bailable.

UDH minister Shanti Dhariwal said the bill had been brought in as the punishment for adulteration of food and medicine under IPC is outdated. He said the Supreme court had also suggested to get the punishment for the offence at par with the central Food Safety Act and Central Drugs and Cosmetic Act. He said Rajasthan is the fourth state to make the amendment.

Opposition leader Gulab Chand Kataria said though the government brought the amendment, the enforcement wing was very weak.