Uttarakhand govt issues guidelines to stop ‘Spit Jihad’, upto Rs 1 lakh fine for offence. UP govt to set 10 yrs jail.

Upto Rs 1 lakh fine for ‘Spit Jihad’ offence in Uttrakhand. Uttar Pradesh Govt to bring Ordinance proposing 10 yrs Jail for ‘Spitting, Contaminating’ Food.

After protests over ‘spitting’ incident, Uttarakhand Police are keeping keen vigil on restaurants and roadside eateries. DGP orders district police chiefs to ensure that CCTVs are installed at restaurants, dhabas and in places where food is sold on the roadside.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Derhadun | Oct 19, 2024:: The Uttarakhand government has taken strict measures to prevent instances of people spitting in food. Recently, they issued guidelines that include a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh for offenders, mandatory police verification of hotel and ‘dhaba’ staff, and installation of CCTV cameras in kitchens.

These measures come after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami referred to such incidents as “thook (spit) jihad” and vowed to take stern action against those responsible. This move aims to ensure food safety and hygiene in the state.

Protests erupted in Uttarakhand after allegations surfaced that two men spat in a saucepan before serving tea to customers in Mussoorie. In response, the Uttarakhand government decided to impose hefty fines, ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh, on those found guilty of such offenses.

Not only spitting when making tea, incidents came to fore for allegedly spitting into fruit juice glasses before serving them to tourists. A video from Dehradun had also gone viral in which a cook could be seen allegedly spitting while making dough for rotis (handmade bread).

The decision came a day after the Director-General of Police ordered district police to verify all employees working in hotels, dhabas, and other food-serving institutions. This directive ensures that establishments thoroughly screen their staff to prevent such incidents.

Read also: Akhara Parishad to ban ‘non-Sanatani’ food stalls at Kumbh Mela 2025

Additionally, Health Secretary R. Rajesh Kumar stipulated that eateries serving non-vegetarian food must specify whether they offer ‘halal’ or ‘jhatka’ meat. This move aims to promote transparency and cater to diverse customer preferences.

To enhance surveillance, DGP Abhinav Kumar instructed Senior Superintendents of Police in all 13 districts to collaborate with Local Intelligence Units and monitor food stalls in open spaces.

These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to maintaining food safety and addressing public concerns in Uttarakhand.

The Uttarakhand police are taking serious measures to ensure food safety. Following the Director-General of Police’s directive, local police have started conducting random checks at eateries, working closely with the Health and Food Departments. This move aims to prevent incidents of food tampering, particularly “spitting in food,” which has been a rising concern.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the police to take stern action against individuals found spitting in food items, a practice he condemned as “thook jihad.” Emphasizing zero tolerance, Dhami declared, “Neither land nor spit jihad will be permitted in Uttarakhand; this is utterly unacceptable and intolerable.” He reassured that the Bharatiya Janata Party government will safeguard the sanctity of “Devbhoomi”).

The Chief Minister’s directive prompted the Director-General of Police to issue guidelines for stricter verification of hotel and dhaba staff and installation of CCTV cameras in kitchens. Random checks have been started by the Health Department and Food and Drugs Administration to ensure compliance.

It is also reported that the Uttar Pradesh government is planning to introduce an ordinance imposing a 10-year jail sentence for spitting in food, a punishment typically reserved for serious crimes like attempted murder or rape.

Read also: UP Govt Plans To Bring Ordinance Proposing 10 Years Jail For ‘Spitting, Contaminating’ Food.

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__Inputs from TNIE, Zee News and ABP Live.

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