Mumbai: Concerned over the adverse impact on
public health due to adulteration in food items, Maharashtra
cabinet today approved a proposal to make such offences
punishable by awarding life imprisonment.
The decision was taken at a state cabinet meeting here
today and the proposal would be sent to the governor and the
Central Government for issuing a notification, an official
from the CMO said.
The government would amend Indian Penal Code sections
272, 273, 274, 275 and 276 to include life imprisonment for
adulteration, the official said.
Concerned about the impact on public health due to
adulteration in food items, medicines and soft drinks,
government has increased the quantum of punishment, he
said.
States like West Bengal, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh
have already provided for life imprisonment and fine by
consulting the Centre. The state government is also planning
to request the Centre for including provision for fine, the
official said.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 00:24