Food Security and Nutrition Law
Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya · LL.B. Semester 10 · LAIJTD6N
Unit I — Conceptual and Constitutional Foundations (12 Hours)
Concept of food security, nutrition, and food sovereignty · Historical evolution of food policy in India · Constitutional basis: Article 21, 39(b), 47 – Right to food and nutrition · Directive Principles and State’s obligation · Judicial recognition of right to food: PUCL v. Union of India and follow-up orders
Unit II — National Food Security Legal Framework (12 Hours)
National Food Security Act, 2013 – Objectives, structure, and implementation · Entitlements: PDS, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, ICDS, Maternity Benefits · Institutional framework: State Food Commissions, Vigilance Committees · Transparency, accountability, grievance redressal · Critical evaluation of implementation challenges
Unit III — Food Safety, Standards, and Consumer Protection (12 Hours)
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 – Objectives and institutional mechanisms · Role of FSSAI: standards, regulation, penalties, and recalls · Adulteration, misbranding, and consumer remedies · Intersection of consumer law and food law · Street food regulation, labelling, and marketing ethics
Unit IV — Agricultural Linkages and Nutrition Governance (12 Hours)
Legal aspects of procurement, buffer stock, and MSP · Role of FCI and decentralised procurement · Farm-to-plate supply chain laws and infrastructure · Agri-nutrition link: Biofortification, kitchen gardens, and farmer awareness · Nutrition-sensitive agriculture and sustainable food systems
Unit V — Contemporary Challenges and International Frameworks (12 Hours)
Impact of climate change and disasters on food security · Food waste, food loss, and legal regulation · Global initiatives: SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), FAO, WHO, Codex Alimentarius · WTO and trade-related aspects of food security (AoA, SPS, TBT) · Emerging debates: Universal Basic Income vs. PDS, food tech, GM crops