India

Law Commission to recommend life imprisonment for adulterators

By RJ Whitehead

- Last updated on GMT

© iStock
© iStock
India’s Law Commission is expected as soon as this week to give its recommendations on amending the penal code for adulteration crimes, including enhancing the severest penalty to life imprisonment.

Having considered current laws relating to the adulteration of food, the Law Commission is expected to present a raft of recommendations on changes to Section 272 and Section 273 of the IPC.

Its views were sought by the government after the Supreme Court demanded a review of the “grossly inadequate​” penal provisions in place today.

Food adulteration is currently punishable with a fine up to INR1,000 (US$14.70) under a long unchanged section of the Indian Penal Code.

The Law Commission is expected to agree with the court and recommend a maximum penalty of life for cases involving death—bringing the Centre in line with states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha. It will also recommend an increase in financial penalties.

It has also been reported that special courts to fast-track adulteration cases are on the cards.

Related topics Policy Food safety South Asia

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