The Bombay High Court on Saturday suggested that major eateries across Maharashtra maintain dedicated websites or social media handles where citizens can post reviews regarding hygiene, food quality and taste [Mumbai Cricket Association v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.].
The suggestion was made by a bench of acting Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and Justice Gautam A Ankhad while hearing a petition concerning suspension of licenses of five eateries of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA)
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today agreed to revoke the suspension of licenses following High Court intervention.
As the hearing in the matter drew to a close, the bench proposed a public oversight mechanism for major restaurants/ eateries, similar to those used in the tourism sector.
“We were thinking one more thing, which is in the interest of the society and should also help the department. Why shouldn't major eateries, like how you find in western countries, have their own web page?”
ACJ Ghuge clarified the scope of their suggestion.
“Major eateries, not the small vada pav and misal pav centers, major eateries. Let them have their web page. And let citizens upload their reviews about their hygiene, their food, their taste on that web page,” he said.
Let major eateries have their web page. And let citizens upload their reviews about their hygiene, their food, their taste on that web page.Bombay High Court
Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, appearing for MCA, then highlighted the evolving digital trends.
“Today what is more popular than web page is Instagram. Very often, if you can't find in web, you will get it on these social media pages," Dhond submitted.
The bench then asked the department to consider amending its rules to incorporate such public feedback solutions.