Imported food label authenticity dispute remitted for fresh inspection after notice, with no final writ determination.

The label dispute over an imported food consignment turned on a factual inquiry into whether the package labels were originally affixed by the manufacturer or exporter, or were tampered with, and that issue was not suitable for final determination on the existing writ record. The Delhi HC therefore declined to conclusively decide compliance in writ jurisdiction and directed a fresh inspection by the authorized officer after due notice to the petitioner. The officer was also required to consider the FSSAI guidelines and the circular or notice dated 24-1-2013 relied on by the petitioner. The matter was thus remitted for reconsideration, with no final merits determination on labeling compliance.

---

---

Issues: Whether the label dispute regarding the imported food consignment could be finally decided in writ jurisdiction and whether the matter should be reconsidered by the authorized officer after notice to the petitioner.

Analysis: The dispute turned on whether the labels on the imported packages were originally affixed by the manufacturer/exporter or had been tampered with, which involved a factual inquiry not suitable for determination in writ proceedings on the existing record. The earlier inspection report did not appear to have addressed that specific aspect. The Court therefore directed a fresh inspection by the authorized officer after due notice to the petitioner and required the officer to consider both the FSSAI guidelines and the circular or notice dated 24-1-2013 relied upon by the petitioner.

Conclusion: The label controversy was not finally adjudicated in writ jurisdiction, and the matter was sent back for fresh inspection and report after notice to the petitioner.

Final Conclusion: The petitioner obtained a limited procedural relief for reconsideration of the consignment by the competent authority, while no final determination was made on the merits of the labeling compliance.

Ratio Decidendi: Where the outcome depends on a factual inquiry into the origin and authenticity of labels on imported goods, the issue should not be conclusively decided in writ proceedings and may be remitted for fresh consideration after notice.

---