HC order on soft drinks ban, vindication of State's stand: Minister

Bangalore, Sep 5 (UNI) Putting up a brave face, Karnataka Health Minister R Ashok today claimed that the High Court's interim verdict on the ban on sale of soft drinks in Government offices, hospitals and educational institutions had vindicated the State Government's stand.

Speaking to newspersons here, he said the Government would respect the High Court's interim verdict and State officials would once again subject samples of aerated drinks to tests in reputed laboratories. If the cola giants were found to be erring, notices would be issued to the company concerned, before approaching the High Court.

It may be recalled here that the State Government had in August banned the sale of carbonated drinks in all Government offices, hospitals, educational institutions and temple premises in the interest of public health after finding that the drinks contained pesticidal residues beyond the permissible level. When a soft drink major challenged the ban, the High Court had yesterday stayed the operation of the ban in all places, except educational institutions.

Mr Ashok claimed that the State presented its case well as was reflected in the interim verdict and the soft drink giant had failed to convince the High Court.

The Minister said that as the High Court had not issued stay against the ban on the sale of soft drinks in schools and colleges, the Government would strictly implement it.

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