The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the authorities on a plea seeking enforcement measures against the sale of analogue paneer without adequate disclosure to consumers regarding its composition. The petitioner has argued that such practices violate consumers’ right to make informed choices and implicate the right to health under Article 21 of the Constitution.

During the hearing, counsel submitted that the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, prescribe standards for paneer based on milk or milk solids, whereas analogue products may use vegetable oils and other substitutes. It was argued that consumers could be misled if such products were marketed as paneer without appropriate disclosure.

The petitioner also referred to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s draft amendment dated September 22, 2026, proposing restrictions on the use of the term “paneer” in the nomenclature, labelling and marketing of analogue dairy products. However, counsel submitted that the petition concerned the need for interim enforcement measures under the existing regulatory framework, independently of the proposed amendment.

The plea further highlighted alleged enforcement gaps in Delhi, arguing that the authorities had not disclosed the extent of analogue paneer being sold or the steps taken to identify and address the issue. Seeking urgent interim relief in view of the ongoing Navratri festivities, counsel requested directions for sampling and inspection of products during the festival season and referred to measures reportedly undertaken by Delhi authorities during Navratri in March 2026.

The Court questioned which authority was competent to enforce the relevant provisions and indicated that it would seek a response from the State on the other issues raised.

We are awaiting detailed order of the Court.