Court wants draft checks on junk food in schools in 10 days

The Delhi High Court Wednesday given 10 days to the central government to frame draft guidelines for regulating sale of junk food and aerated drinks in and around schools.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice B.D. Ahmed and Justice Vibhu Bakhru told the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that "no further extension will be given" and it must submit the draft guidelines within 10 days.

The court said: "Earlier, this court had recorded that draft guidelines would be filed on July 24. Unfortunately, the draft guidelines are not ready. Now, the counsel for the centre states that the draft guidelines would be ready within 10 days. Let it be filed within 10 days."

The court's direction came after Additional Solicitor General Rajeeve Mehra told the court that draft guidelines were not ready yet and more time was needed.

The court, posting the matter for Sep 4, said: "It is expected that parties shall adhere to this time line and no extension would be given by this court."

The judges also asked the central government to share the report with other stakeholders who will also give their suggestions or comments on the issue.

The government earlier told the court that private firm AC Nielsen QRG-MARG Pvt Ltd was in the process of framing norms to regulate availability of junk foods and carbonated drinks within 500 yards of schools.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Rakesh Prabhakar, a lawyer for NGO Uday Foundation, seeking a direction banning sale of junk food and aerated drinks in and around schools.