Next Chief Justice reacts to allegations of judicial overreach amid criticism from BJP leaders
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court has responded to allegations of judicial overreach following recent comments by BJP leaders regarding its landmark judgment, which set a deadline for the President and Governors to clear Bills passed by the legislature for the second time. Justice BR Gavai, who will take over as Chief Justice next month, addressed the issue after a lawyer raised concerns over violence in West Bengal.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain sought directions from the court to deploy paramilitary forces in the region, following violent incidents related to the Waqf Amendment Act protests. The advocate's plea, which was first filed after the post-poll violence in Bengal in 2022, calls for a panel of retired judges to investigate the violence and a report on the displacement of Hindus in Murshidabad.
In response, Justice Gavai remarked, “You want us to issue a writ of mandamus to the President to impose this? As it is, we are facing allegations of encroaching into executive (domain). Please.” His comment indicates that the Supreme Court is closely monitoring the ongoing criticisms, particularly from a section of BJP leaders.
The criticism stems from the Supreme Court’s decision in the Tamil Nadu case, where it ruled that the Governor’s decision to withhold Bills indefinitely was “arbitrary” and violated constitutional norms. The court’s order emphasized that only courts can provide recommendations regarding the constitutionality of Bills and that the Executive should exercise restraint in such matters.
Following this judgment, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey expressed concern over the increasing influence of the judiciary, suggesting that if the Supreme Court continues making decisions on such matters, Parliament and State Assemblies should be shut down. Other BJP leaders, such as Dinesh Sharma and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, also criticised the court’s actions, with Dhankhar labeling Article 142 as a "nuclear missile" against democratic forces.
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Eggs safe for consumption, cancer risk claims unfounded: FSSAI
New Delhi (PTI): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has categorically dismissed recent claims linking eggs to cancer risk, terming them "misleading, scientifically unsupported and capable of creating unnecessary public alarm".
In a statement issued on Saturday, the food safety regulator clarified that eggs available in the country are safe for human consumption and that reports alleging the presence of carcinogenic substances in eggs lack a scientific basis.
The clarification comes in response to media reports and social media posts claiming detection of nitrofuran metabolites (AOZ) -- substances purportedly linked to cancer -- in eggs sold in India.
FSSAI officials emphasised that the use of nitrofurans is strictly prohibited at all stages of poultry and egg production under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011.
The regulator explained that an Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 µg/kg has been prescribed for nitrofuran metabolites -- but solely for regulatory enforcement purposes. This limit represents the minimum level that can be reliably detected by advanced laboratory methods and does not indicate that the substance is permitted for use.
"Detection of trace residues below the EMRL does not constitute a food safety violation nor does it imply any health risk," an FSSAI official said.
FSSAI said India's regulatory framework is aligned with international practices. The European Union and the United States also prohibit the use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals and employ reference points for action or guideline values only as enforcement tools.
Differences in numerical benchmarks across countries reflect variations in analytical and regulatory approaches, not differences in consumer safety standards, the authority noted.
On public health concerns, FSSAI cited scientific evidence indicating that there is no established causal link between trace-level dietary exposure to nitrofuran metabolites and cancer or other adverse health outcomes in humans.
"No national or international health authority has associated normal egg consumption with increased cancer risk," the regulator reiterated.
Addressing reports related to the testing of a specific egg brand, officials explained that such detections are isolated and batch-specific, often arising from inadvertent contamination or feed-related factors, and are not representative of the overall egg supply chain in the country.
"Generalising isolated laboratory findings to label eggs as unsafe is scientifically incorrect," the statement said.
FSSAI urged consumers to rely on verified scientific evidence and official advisories, reiterating that eggs remain a safe, nutritious, and valuable component of a balanced diet when produced and consumed in compliance with food safety regulations.
