The Rajasthan High Court has directed the State government to conduct inspections of major dairy cooperatives, including Saras, Amul, Lotus and Mother Dairy, to examine the measures they have put in place to prevent the sale of synthetic milk and other adulterated dairy products.
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Maneesh Sharma passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation and suo motu proceedings concerning food adulteration across the State.
The Bench took note of studies indicating the widespread use of urea in animal feed, which could adversely affect the quality of milk. It also referred to a report highlighting the deaths of more than 500 farmers allegedly linked to the unsafe use of pesticides.
Observing that both government and private dairy cooperatives play a crucial role in supplying milk to consumers, the Court said there was a need to verify the methods adopted by these agencies to prevent synthetic and adulterated dairy products from reaching the market.
The Court observed that multiple dairy cooperatives, including Amul, Lotus, Mother Dairy, and the state-run RCDF (Saras), are actively distributing milk products. To ensure public safety, the Bench ruled that the state must evaluate the quality-control measures implemented by these brands to prevent the entry of synthetic milk into the supply chain, ordering a formal inspection report to be submitted to the Court.
The High Court also directed the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board to submit a report detailing the action taken against persons illegally cultivating vegetables and crops in swamps and areas where untreated or contaminated city water accumulates. The Court asked the Board to specify the steps taken, including the registration of FIRs, against such violators.
Clarifying that the directions are applicable across Rajasthan and not confined to Jaipur, the Bench instructed the Pollution Control Boards in all districts to ensure that vegetables and crops are not cultivated in polluted areas.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 4, 2026.
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