Mumbai, Aug. 18 -- The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to pay Rs 5 lakh to a Pune-based sweets shop after questioning the continued suspension of its food licence despite substantial compliance with safety norms.

The shop had its licence suspended on June 12 following an inspection that found several hygiene and sanitation deficiencies. After the shop submitted a compliance report, a re-inspection on July 13 found 98 per cent compliance, with 35 of 36 parameters meeting the required standards. The court set aside the continued suspension, allowed the shop to resume operations, and directed the FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh within 30 days.

On August 13, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration...