The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court directed the state government to provide information regarding measures taken to curb the sale of illegal Chinese garlic, a commodity that has been banned in India.
This matter arose from a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by local lawyer Motilal Yadav, highlighting the open sale of this prohibited item.
During the proceedings, the petitioner presented half a kilogram of garlic, allegedly of Chinese origin, to the court. The court requested the central government to submit documentation related to the ban on Chinese garlic and to outline the steps being taken to prevent its import.
The bench, comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice O.P. Shukla, scheduled the next hearing for October 1.
The petitioner asserted that the central government had prohibited Chinese garlic in 2014 due to health concerns related to excessive pesticide use; however, he noted that it continues to be sold openly in markets.
The petitioner had also purchased garlic from the Chinhat market and presented it in court. When asked by the court about the garlic, the petitioner confirmed its presence and, with the court’s permission, the Food Safety Department officer sealed it for examination.
The designated officer of the Food Safety Department, Vijai Singh, informed the court that the government was conducting raids to address the illegal sale of the banned garlic.
He also mentioned that a toll-free number, 18001805533, had been established for the public to report such sales. However, when the court instructed the state counsel to call this number, it remained busy for an extended period.
In response, the court recommended that additional toll-free numbers be issued to facilitate public reporting.
The Deputy Solicitor General of the central government, S.B. Pandey, was asked why he could not present the government order banning Chinese garlic despite prior notice. He responded that he had not yet received instructions and requested additional time.
