Is tuver dal coated with castor oil adulterated?

Does applying castor oil on tuver and other pulses and grains make it adulterated? Gujarat High Court has asked the central government to take a decision on this issue by taking an expert opinion.

The HC had issued the verdict in a petition filed by Gujarat Pulses Manufacturers’ Association in 2004. The association had challenged the decision taken by the state government and central government in 2003 and 2004 barring them from using castor oil on grounds that it amounts adulteration.

Castor oil is being used at every household to protect it from insects. “It would be in the interest of the petitioners and all concerned as well as public at large to refer the matter back to central government to consider the issue of applying castor oil on tuver dal and other pulses so as to protect the same from insects,” Justice BN Karia ruled. As per the court government has to take opinion of competent authorities like Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha and National Institute of Nutrition as well as the concerned department of Ministry of Ayush and pass a fresh de novo order. The court also asked the government to provide an opportunity of hearing to the association.