The Chhattisgarh High Court has come down heavily on the State Government for its negligence in ensuring food safety in schools, directing it to pay Rs. 25,000 compensation to every student of Government Middle School, Lachchhanpur, who consumed a mid-day meal contaminated by dogs.
The bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru was dealing with a suo motu public interest litigation after reports surfaced that 84 children had been served food soiled by dogs at the Balodabazar-Bhatapara district school. Despite objections from teachers, the Self-Help Group (SHG) responsible for cooking went ahead and distributed the tainted food. Even complaints to the Headmaster failed to stop the meal from being served.
Following the incident, all 84 children were administered three doses of anti-rabies vaccine and placed under medical observation. Reports from the Chief Medical and Health Officer confirmed that the students remained healthy and continued attending classes. Citing this, the State initially denied compensation.
Rejecting this stance, the High Court held the State liable, stressing that negligence in a government institution cannot be excused merely because no lasting harm was caused. “It was the duty of the State to ensure safe and hygienic meals for schoolchildren,” the Court remarked while directing that compensation be paid within a month.
In the aftermath, the SHG was permanently blacklisted from mid-day meal duties, while disciplinary action was taken against school staff: the Headmaster, teachers, and coordinators were suspended, and minor penalties imposed on three teachers. The Directorate of School Education also issued fresh guidelines across districts, mandating stricter checks on food quality, hygiene, and safety under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana.
The Court concluded with a warning, expressing hope that the State would maintain vigilance to prevent such “shameful lapses” in the future.
Case Details
Case Title: In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation Versus The Chief Secretary & Others
Case No.: WPPIL No. 75 of 2023
Date: 19/08/2025
Counsel For Petitioner: Mr. Siddharth Dubey, Mr. Ishan Verma, Mr. Amiyakant Tiwari, learned Court Commissioners
Counsel For Respondent: Y.S. Thakur, learned Additional Advocate General for the State, Mr. Tushar Dhar Diwan, learned CGC for the Railways
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