Indore District Court Summons Walmart, Best Price, and Zippy Edible Directors in Food Safety Case
Indore. In a significant development concerning consumer rights and food safety, the District Court of Indore has issued summons/warrants to the directors of Walmart India Pvt. Ltd., Best Price, and Zippy Edible Company, directing them to appear before the court.
How the Case Began
The case dates back to 2020, when Advocate Amay Bajaj, in his personal capacity, purchased a packet of Pasta Penne from the Best Price outlet in Indore. Upon reaching home and opening the sealed packet, he was shocked to find several insects crawling inside.
The packet was immediately sent to the Food Laboratory at Indore and subsequently forwarded to the State Food Laboratory, Bhopal for further testing. The laboratory report confirmed serious contamination, revealing that the packet contained 8 dead and 10 living insects, rendering the food product unsafe for human consumption.
Legal Notices Ignored
Following the report, Advocate Bajaj issued legal notices to the companies and their directors. However, no reply was received from any of them. Left with no alternative, Bajaj filed a criminal case before the District Court, Indore.
Court’s Intervention
Taking cognizance of the matter, the District Court found sufficient grounds to proceed against the accused and issued summons/warrants to the directors of Walmart, Best Price, and Zippy Edible Company. The court has directed them to appear and face trial under provisions of:
• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),
• The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS),
• The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and
• The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
Relevant Legal Provisions
• Section 26 & 27 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Fix liability on manufacturers, distributors, and sellers to ensure food is safe and compliant with standards.
• Section 59: Prescribes strict penalties if unsafe food causes harm to a consumer.
• BNS provisions: Can apply in cases involving fraud, sale of unsafe products, and acts endangering human life.
Advocate Amay Bajaj’s Stand
Speaking on the issue, Advocate Bajaj emphasized:
“This is not just about my personal grievance. It is about consumer rights and public health. No company—regardless of its size—can compromise with food safety. If they do, they will have to answer before the court of law.”
Why This Case Matters
The case underscores the accountability of even the largest corporations in ensuring food safety. Legal experts note that this matter could set an important precedent for consumer protection in India. The summons issued by the District Court sends a strong message:
“No one is above the law—not even multinational corporations.”
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