Madhya Pradesh High Court Declares Garlic A Vegetable, Ending Years-Long Debate

In a decision, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that garlic should be classified as a vegetable rather than a spice. This pivotal verdict, delivered by Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice D Venkata Ramana, will significantly impact the garlic trade across India.

The ruling allows garlic to be sold in both vegetable and spice markets. This change eliminates previous trade restrictions and benefits farmers and sellers alike. The court’s decision resolves ongoing disputes among farmers, traders, and commission agents, offering clearer market regulations for garlic.

Justice SA Dharmadhikari, who is the son of a railway gangman, and Justice D Venkata Ramana issued this crucial judgment. Their decision aims to streamline and improve the distribution of garlic, potentially boosting economic opportunities for those involved in its trade.

Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, born on July 8, 1966, in Raipur, has a distinguished legal career. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. With over 24 years of experience, Justice Dharmadhikari began his career in 1992 as a junior to Senior Advocate YS Dharmadhikari. He served as Standing Counsel for various institutions from 2000 to 2015, including the Income Tax Department, the Reserve Bank of India, and the Excise Department. He also provided counsel to several public sector undertakings and the Welfare Commissioner for Bhopal gas tragedy victims.