Timeline for Sanction Recommendation Under Food Safety Act is Mandatory; Non-Compliance Renders Prosecution Unsustainable: Jammu & Kashmir High Court

In a major decision under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has held that any failure to comply with the mandatory procedural requirements—such as obtaining sanction for prosecution within the stipulated time—makes the criminal proceedings unsustainable. This significant ruling was made by Justice Sanjay Dhar while deciding a petition filed by Ali Mohammad Bhat and others challenging the criminal prosecution initiated against them…