Hyderabad: Stating that carbide should not be used for any purpose other than industrial activities, and particularly for ripening of fruits, the Telangana High Court issued directions to the government to take steps against any person found to be in possession of carbide for purposes other than what was permitted by law.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakris-hnan and Justice A. Rajasheker Reddy was dealing a suo motu taken-up petition by the High Court in 2015 based on news reports regarding the use of carbide to ripen fruits. The court felt that the government needed to ensure that carbide did not reach anyone.
The court directed the government to consider creating more posts of food safety officers in the state. Noticing that the number of FSO posts that have created on the basis of certain suggestions made two years ago, the CJ felt that 36 posts would not be sufficient.
Clarifying on the doubts expressed about local and non-local candidates by the TSPSC in the filling of FSO posts, the court said the ratio must be maintained between local candidates and others in terms of the Presidential Order.
“The TSPSC sought further clarificatory order is required on this issue. Once the Presidential Order is there, it is for the TSPSC and the government to operate in accordance with the law,” the bench said.
The court directed the state government and Telangana Public Service Commission that in the selection for the posts of food safety officers (FSO), which were notified in the light of High Court orders to prevent the illegal use of carbide, should follow the Presidential Order to maintain the ratio of local and non-local candidates.
