Even earlier, the BMC had issued such a circular with regard to ‘mawa' (sweet). Opposing the circular, the petitioner claimed that such “last minute” circulars cause losses to the traders as they have already accepted orders from customers before the Diwali festival.
The customers would not then want to buy the sweets which would cause them heavy losses, it claimed.
The petitioner further alleged the order was a ploy to stop the sale of Indian sweets.
The petitioner also claimed the civic body had no powers to regulate the sale of sweets. As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the BMC health officials do not have the power to conduct inspection, the petitioner contended.
The high court said it would deal with all the aspects of the petition during next hearing after Diwali vacation. Meanwhile, interim relief to stay the circular was refused.
