Telangana HC Refuses to Halt Police Probe into Adulterated Spices Case

HYDERABAD — The Telangana High Court on Friday declined to pass interim orders staying the police investigation into a case involving the manufacture and sale of adulterated spices.

Justice J. Sreenivas Rao heard a petition filed by Vikas Agarwal and others seeking to quash the criminal case registered against them. The court rejected arguments seeking a stay and directed the police to continue their probe.

Appearing for the petitioners, counsel contended that the police lack the legal authority to register food adulteration cases, arguing that such matters fall under specialized statutory frameworks. Counsel also submitted that the primary petitioner was not present at the location where searches were conducted and had been implicated solely based on a statement made by a co-accused in police custody.

Opposing the plea, Public Prosecutor Palle Nageswara Rao argued that law enforcement agencies are carrying out targeted raids and booking cases to combat the widespread spread of food adulteration across the region. He emphasized that adulterated spice ingredients prepared by organized syndicates reach household kitchens, posing severe risks to public health.

The Public Prosecutor added that granting interim protection or halting the probe at this stage would send the wrong message and encourage fraudulent activities that jeopardize public safety.

Taking note of the submissions, Justice Sreenivas Rao refused to grant any interim relief and directed the police to proceed with the investigation. The High Court also directed the authorities to file a comprehensive counter-affidavit and adjourned the matter for further hearing.