M/S.Universal Impex v. The Appellate Authority/Authorized Officer,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 04-06-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ M/s.Universal Impex G-39, A.P.M.C. Market-1, Phase-2, Vashi (Turbhe), Navi Mumbai - 400 705.
Rep. by its Proprietor Shri Sarfraj Jaliyawala. ..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The Appellate Authority/ Authorized Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Central Documentation Complex, Chennai Port Trust Building, Rajaji Salai, Chennai - 600001.
2. The Commissioner of Customs, Chennai Import Commissionerate Custom House, 60, Rajaji Salai, Chennai - 600001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner of Customs (Group 1B) Chennai Commissionerate (Imports), Custom House, 60, Rajaji Salai, Chennai - 600001.
..Respondent(s) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for a writ of Mandamus to direct the 1st respondent herein to dispose of the appeal filed in terms of regulation 10(6) and (7) of the food safety standards (Import) regulations, 2017 against report of analysis dated 14.04.2026 attributable to the food analyst, national food laboratory, Chennai vide test certificate No.12042610306A, 12042610307A and Test Certificate No.12042610311A by which the samples of areca nuts have been found to be not in conformity with para 2.3.55 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food
Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011, and further found to be substandard as per section 3(1)(zx) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
For Petitioner(s):
Mr.B.Satish Sundar For Respondent(s):
Ms.K.R.Samratt Senior Panel Counsel (for R1)
ORDER
By consent of learned counsel on both sides, the writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
2. The present writ petition has been filed praying for a writ of Mandamus to direct the1st respondent to dispose of the appeal filed by the petitioner dated 30.04.2026.
3. It is submitted by the learned counsel for petitioner that against the report of analysis dated 14.04.2026, an appeal was preferred by the petitioner before the 1st respondent on 30.04.2026 and the same is stated to be pending. Aggrieved, the petitioner has come before this Court.
4. On this being pointed out, the learned counsel for 1st respondent would submit that the appeal filed by the petitioner dated 30.04.2026 would be considered and appropriate orders would be passed within a time period to be stipulated by this Court. Agreed to by the learned counsel for petitioner.
5. In view thereof, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the 1st respondent to consider and dispose of the appeal filed by the petitioner dated 30.04.2026, on merits and in accordance with law, after affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, within a period of two (2) weeks from the date of uploading of web copy of the order without waiting for receipt of certified copy. It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any views with regard to the merits of the case and it is open to the concerned respondent to consider the case on its own merits and in accordance with law. No costs. 04-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order MKA To:
1. The Appellate Authority/authorized Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Central Documentation Complex, Chennai Port Trust Building, Rajaji Salai, Chennai - 600001.
2. The Commissioner of Customs, Chennai Import Commissionerate Custom House, 60, Rajaji Salai, Chennai - 600001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner of Customs (Group 1B) Chennai Commissionerate (Imports), Custom House, 60, Rajaji Salai, Chennai - 600001.
MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ J.
MKA 04-06-2026