High Court refuses interim relief to G. Pulla Reddy Sweets, seeks fresh food safety inspection report

By Our Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday directed the Food Safety Department authorities to conduct a fresh inspection of the premises of G. Pulla Reddy Sweets in Hyderabad and submit a report before the court on the next date of hearing.

Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar passed this direction while hearing a writ petition filed by M/s. G. Pulla Reddy Sweets challenging the suspension of its FSSAI licence by the Food Safety Designated Officer, Khairatabad Zone.

The petitioner approached the High Court through a lunch motion challenging the proceedings dated October 28, 2026, suspending its FSSAI licence. The petitioner contended that the suspension was arbitrary, disproportionate and contrary to the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Counsel for the petitioner submitted that the deficiencies pointed out during the inspection had already been addressed and corrective measures taken. A detailed compliance report explaining the steps taken to rectify the deficiencies was also submitted to the authorities. It was further argued that the inspecting authorities had failed to consider the corrective measures and had proceeded with the suspension of the licence without establishing any immediate threat to public health.

The Government Pleader for Medical and Health, Family Welfare, opposing the request for interim relief, submitted that the Food Safety Department was conducting inspections across the State to ensure compliance with food safety standards and to protect public health. He submitted that the inspection of the petitioner’s premises had revealed several deficiencies relating to hygiene, storage, transportation, labelling and handling of food products.

The authorities had taken action in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, considering the seriousness of the violations noticed during the inspection. He further submitted that the petitioner had been given an opportunity to explain the deficiencies and that the licence could not be restored without the competent authority being satisfied with compliance with the prescribed food safety requirements.

After hearing the submissions, the court declined to grant interim relief sought by the petitioner. However, the court directed the Food Safety Department authorities to conduct a fresh inspection of G. Pulla Reddy Sweets premises and file a report before the court on the next date of hearing.