The Rajasthan High Court has banned the sale of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt food items in and around school campuses, initiating a broad judicial intervention to address health, academic, and technological challenges affecting younger generations.
A single bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand in Jodhpur took suo motu cognisance of issues facing Generation Z, Generation Alpha, and Generation Beta, issuing directives that target school nutrition, examination integrity, digital dependence, and educational infrastructure.
Banning Junk Food and Mandating Nutritional Standards
Under the court order, carbonated beverages, chips, trans-fat bakery items, and other processed junk foods are prohibited in school canteens and within 50 metres of school entrances.
To enforce dietary standards, the court ordered all government, aided, and private schools to establish a School Food Safety and Nutrition Committee within four weeks. These committees, comprising teachers, parents, and student representatives, must have their details published on the Education Department website.
Schools have also been given eight weeks to install canteen menu boards displaying calorie counts, ingredients, and nutritional values using a traffic-light labelling system. Additionally, mid-day meals and state nutrition schemes must conform to guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The administration has been instructed to launch a dedicated online portal and helpline for reporting violations.
State Oversight and Compliance Deadlines
The state government must file an affidavit within six weeks detailing its implementation of the 2020 regulations governing safe food in schools.
Official notices were issued to Rajasthan’s Chief Secretary alongside departments governing health, education, public distribution, and consumer affairs, requiring responses within eight weeks. To ensure long-term oversight, a quarterly monitoring cell chaired by the Chief Secretary will track implementation.
Balancing Artificial Intelligence and Foundational Learning
Addressing modern educational trends, the bench highlighted concerns over rising screen time and excessive tech reliance among students. While acknowledging that digital tools and artificial intelligence are necessary for international competitiveness, the court cautioned against replacing core educational practices.
The judgment emphasized the importance of preserving traditional learning habits, including handwriting, book reading, note-taking, written examinations, and independent critical thinking alongside digital instruction.
Addressing Examination Paper Leaks
The court raised alarm over recurring examination paper leaks, noting that security breaches cause severe stress to candidates, disrupt academic timelines, and damage public trust in the examination framework. Authorities were directed to formulate a foolproof mechanism to prevent future leaks.
Upgrading Rural School Infrastructure
To resolve disparities in basic amenities, District Collectors have been instructed to perform surprise inspections of rural and remote government schools and submit comprehensive reports within eight weeks.
The inspections will assess critical operational areas, including vacant teaching posts, drinking water availability, functioning toilets, health check-up facilities, internet access, smart classrooms, computers, and sports equipment.
Broader Social Policy Directives
Extending its scope to structural economic and social challenges, the bench asked both state and central governments to formulate plans addressing the education-to-employment gap, social security protections for gig workers, affordable housing and hostels, data privacy, cyber security, and digital detox initiatives.
Advocates have been appointed as amici curiae to assist the court in reviewing these matters. The case has been referred to the Acting Chief Justice for assignment to an appropriate bench.
