The suo motu PIL was initiated after single-judge, Justice Prathiba M Singh referred the matter to the Acting Chief Justice to be dealt with on the judicial side.
Justice Singh was hearing a suit filed by well-known chocolate company, Hershey’s, which sought to restrain certain counterfeiters who were rebranding and selling Hershey’s products. In many cases, the products were found to be put up for sale by such counterfeiters beyond the expiry period.
The single-judge concluded that the suit revealed an extraordinary situation involving public health, particularly relating to food.
Justice Singh also observed that it is apparent that there is a coordinated and systematic mechanism in place by which the expired products are being re-packaged or re-branded with new expiry dates and are being introduced into the markets.
She, therefore, also ordered a detailed investigation by the Delhi Police in the matter.
Source: Barandbench
