A government Scheduled Tribe post-matric hostel in Challakere came under scrutiny after students reported finding worms in their food and alleged that kitchen staff consumed gutka and pan masala while on duty. Additional Civil Judge K.S. Sangamithra inspected the facility and warned staff against neglecting students’ health.
The inspection took place during a visit organised as part of a legal awareness programme focused on the Bachpan campaign, protection of children from sexual offences and legal assistance for victims of substance use. During the visit, the judge interacted with students and sought information about food quality, cleanliness and the hostel’s infrastructure.
Students told the judge that they were dissatisfied with the quality of the food and brought their concerns to her attention. After hearing their complaints, she questioned the hostel warden and kitchen staff about the condition in which meals were being prepared and served.
The judge asked why lapses were occurring in the provision of quality food despite government spending on students’ education and accommodation. She also questioned staff on whether they would serve similar food to children in their own homes, according to the report.
Sangamithra also questioned the hostel warden over why problems at the facility had not been brought to the attention of senior officials. She directed the staff to give priority to cleanliness, discipline and food quality, and said there should be no negligence where students’ health was concerned.
The inspection highlights the responsibility of hostel administrators to monitor essential services inside government-funded residential facilities. Food preparation, hygiene and reporting mechanisms are central to the daily functioning of such hostels, where students depend on the institution for accommodation and meals.
The judge advised students not to be afraid to report problems to the relevant authorities or bring them to the attention of the judiciary. They were also informed that telephone numbers of the Advocates’ Association had been provided so that they could communicate their grievances without fear.
Legal Aid Guardian Geetanjali and panel advocates Shilpa D. and Srinivas were present during the visit. The report did not specify whether disciplinary action had been initiated against the hostel staff or whether an independent food-safety inspection had been ordered.
