The Rajasthan High Court has directed the State Government to inspect major dairy cooperatives and milk producers across the state after concerns were raised about the possible use of industrial-grade urea in animal feed and its impact on milk quality. The court also granted time to the authorities to place additional material on record in the ongoing public interest litigation on food adulteration.
Background of the Case
The matter was heard in a suo motu public interest case concerning food adulteration and public health, along with connected petitions. During the hearing, the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) was directed to file an affidavit responding to the court's earlier observations and previous orders passed in the case. The State also sought additional time to file an explanatory affidavit based on reports submitted by Food Safety Officers.
Senior Advocate and Amicus Curiae M.S. Singhvi referred to published studies suggesting that industrial-grade urea is allegedly being mixed into animal feed. According to the material placed before the court, prolonged consumption of excessive urea by animals could increase nitrogen and urea levels in their bodies and may affect the quality of milk.
The bench observed that another report relating to deaths allegedly linked to unsafe pesticides had also been placed on record.
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"The need arises to check the method and manner which they are adopting and preventing synthetic products,"
the bench observed while noting that several dairy brands, including Saras, Amul, Lotus and Mother Dairy, supply milk and dairy products in the market.
The High Court directed the State Government authorities to conduct inspections of dairy cooperatives and other milk producers to examine the measures adopted to prevent synthetic or adulterated products. The authorities have been asked to submit their inspection report before the court. In the connected environmental matter, the Pollution Control Board was also directed to file a report on action taken against illegal cultivation in polluted water bodies. The cases have been listed for further hearing on August 4, 2026.
Case Details:
Case Title: Suo Moto In Re- Public Health - Protect The Present And Safeguard The Future From Food Adulteration v. Union of India, and other connected petitions
Case Number: D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10675/2024 (Connected with D.B. Civil Writ Petition Nos. 8682/2020, 10875/2020 & 9804/2025)
Judge: Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Maneesh Sharma
Decision Date: 01 July 2026
