Observing that adulteration in milk was a serious matter, the Madras High Court today directed the government to file a status report on the action taken on such complaints. The direction was given by Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar while hearing a PIL by AP Suryaprakasam, an advocate, seeking a CBI probe into the reports of adulteration in milk by various private producers.

As the government was responsible to safeguard the health and safety of citizens, it has to discharge its statutory duties against those adulterating foods, he contended.Even the Dairy Development Minister had remarked that private milk suppliers added chemicals to extend longevity of their product, he submitted.

Suryaprakasam prayed for a direction to the government to take urgent steps to amend Sec 272 of the IPC for enhancing punishment for adulteration of food or drink intended for sale to life sentence.The court posted the matter for further hearing to June 19.