THE father of the children who died after consuming poisonous food at a restaurant in Clifton has pardoned the owner of the eatery and two detained employees (March 6).

A case was registered against them under Sections 322 (manslaughter) and 272 (adulteration of food and drink intended for sale) of Pakistan Penal Code.

Indeed, the parents of the deceased children have the right to forgive the accused for manslaughter under the relevant laws.

However, under Section 272, adulteration of food and drink is a crime against the state because it can cause death or injury to consumers.

The state must therefore proceed against the accused for committing this crime.

Asif Jah

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2019