States » WestPosted at: Nov 2 2026 11:42PM


Maharashtra FDA Minister stays Mundhe’s order cancelling Pune chemical firm’s licence

Mumbai, Nov 2 (UNI) The administrative and political landscape of Maharashtra was thrown into turmoil on Monday after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal stayed a punitive order issued by high-profile IAS officer and FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe against a prominent chemical company in Pune's Ranjangaon.
Mundhe had cancelled the license of the firm following a statewide crackdown on illegal industrial methanol distribution, triggered by a toxic liquor tragedy in Pune. The minister’s sudden decision to grant interim relief to the chemical unit—allegedly connected to a senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader—has sparked a sharp standoff between the state executive and enforcement authorities.
Political and administrative circles have questioned the swiftness of the hearing, pointing out that over 2,400 pharmaceutical and chemical license appeals continue to remain pending before the FDA Minister’s office.
The clash stems from a massive inspection campaign led by Commissioner Mundhe into the illegal diversion of methanol into illicit alcohol. Out of 936 chemical manufacturing and storage facilities audited across Maharashtra, the FDA suspended the licenses of 309 units for regulatory breaches and ordered the permanent cancellation of licenses for 70 entities.
Following the crackdown, 22 affected companies filed appeals in the minister’s tribunal. The decision to prioritise and stay the cancellation of the Ranjangaon facility has drawn sharp criticism from social organisations and trade bodies, who allege political influence.
Refuting allegations of political pressure, FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal maintained that his order was passed on merits.
"There is no political pressure on me from any party leadership or political leader while conducting hearings or issuing rulings," Zirwal said. "I evaluate every case impartially based on the facts and documentation presented by the appellants. When I took charge, there was a backlog of nearly 8,500 appeals, which I have aggressively brought down to around 2,400 to 2,500 through regular hearings."
Since taking over as FDA Commissioner, Mundhe's zero-tolerance campaign against food adulteration and illegal chemical trades has led to a 557 per cent spike in public complaints registered with the department. Dismissing recent rumours circulating on social media regarding his transfer outside Maharashtra, Mundhe clarified that as a Maharashtra-cadre IAS officer, he continues to execute his official duties in the state.
With key public safety enforcement orders being overturned at the ministerial level, chemist associations and civic monitoring groups are preparing to take the matter directly to the Chief Minister, signalling a potential administrative showdown. UNI NEP NST CDS
Tags: #Maharashtra FDA Minister stays Mundhe’s order cancelling Pune chemical firm’s licence
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