Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa has quashed an order passed by a Vasco Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in a food safety case, observing that it lacked adequate reasoning and did not reflect proper judicial application of mind.
Justice Ashish Chavan set aside the March 28, 2022 order, which had initiated proceedings against seven individuals based on a complaint filed by the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration.
The decision came while hearing two related writ petitions filed by traders and individuals, including a shop owner from Vasco and suppliers based in Margao and Kolhapur.
The petitioners contended that the Magistrate’s order was excessively brief, merely stating that cognisance was taken and summons be issued, without providing any supporting reasoning.
The High Court agreed, noting that even at the preliminary stage, judicial orders must indicate that the material on record has been considered.
The case has now been sent back to the JMFC in Vasco for fresh evaluation in accordance with the law.
