Rules 3 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Rule 3.3.3 of the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011 sets out the powers and functions of the Registrar of the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal and how the daily cause list is prepared. Rule 3.3.4 covers the Tribunal's orders: signing, interim orders, pronouncement, communication, publication and record-keeping after disposal. For help with an appeal, see our legal consultation page.
The Registrar works under the general superintendence of the Presiding Officer, has custody of the records, registers appeals, fixes hearing dates (subject to directions), issues notices, grants copies, handles service and requisitions records from the Adjudicating Officer. The cause list for the next working day is published on the Registry notice board before closing time. Every Tribunal order is signed and dated by the Presiding Officer, who may pass interim orders or injunctions with recorded reasons; a certified copy goes to the Adjudicating Officer and the parties. This article follows the compendium Version I of 1 April 2025.
Rule 3.3.3: the Registrar
| Sub-rule | Content |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Registrar functions under the general superintendence of the Presiding Officer and performs other functions assigned under the Rules |
| 2 | Has custody of the records of the Tribunal |
| 3 | Powers and functions listed below |
| 4 | Preparation and publication of the daily cause list |
The Registrar's six functions (sub-rule 3)
- Registration of appeals, petitions and applications;
- Receiving applications for amendment of the appeal, petition or application, or of subsequent proceedings;
- Subject to the Presiding Officer's directions, fixing the date of hearing and issuing notices;
- Ordering grant of copies of documents to the parties;
- Disposing of all matters on service of notices or other processes, including applications for fresh notice, extending time or ordering a particular method of service, and substituted service by newspaper advertisement;
- Requisitioning records from the Adjudicating Officer or any other authority.
The Registrar is also the person who scrutinises appeals under Rule 3.3.1 and who handles inspection applications under Rule 3.3.2. If you need a date, a copy, an extension of time for service or a change in method of service, the application goes to the Registrar.
The daily cause list (sub-rule 4)
The Registry prepares and publishes on its notice board, before the close of working hours each working day, the cause list for the next working day. Subject to the Presiding Officer's directions, cases are listed in this order of priority, as the compendium gives it:
- cases for "pronouncement of orders"
- (a) cases for "clarification"
- (b) cases for "admission"
- (c) cases for "orders or directions"
- (d) part-heard cases, the latest part-heard having precedence
- (e) cases posted as per numerical order or as directed by the Presiding Officer
The title of the list contains the appeal, petition or application number, the day, date and time of sitting and the coram naming the Presiding Officer. Against each case the list shows the advocates for both sides (with the parties they represent) or the unrepresented parties, and any Registry objections or special directions in a remarks column. The text of sub-rule 4(iii) is incomplete as printed (it introduces "the following" and then runs into (iv)); read it with the items that follow.
Check the notice board daily before a hearing. The published list is what tells you whether your matter will be taken up.
Rule 3.3.4: orders of the Tribunal
- Order (item 1). Every order is signed and dated by the Presiding Officer. He may pass interim orders or injunction, subject to reasons recorded in writing, which he considers necessary in the interest of justice. Orders are pronounced in the sitting; reading the operative portion is deemed pronouncement; when orders are reserved, the date of pronouncement is notified in the cause list, which is valid notice.
- Communication (item 2). A certified copy of every order is communicated to the Adjudicating Officer and to the parties, as the case may be.
- Publication (item 3). Orders deemed fit for publication in the press may be released on terms the Presiding Officer specifies.
- Entries (item 4). On pronouncement the Registrar endorses the case file with the date and nature of disposal and makes entries in his diary.
- Indexing (item 5). After communication to the parties or counsel, the Registry arranges the records with pagination and prepares the Index Sheet in the form the Tribunal prescribes, affixes initials and sends the records with the index to the records room.
Reading item 1(iv) carefully
When the Tribunal reserves its order, you are not told separately. The date appears in the cause list, and the cause list counts as valid notice of pronouncement. So for a reserved matter, check the list.
How the order relates to the Act
Section 70 of the Act creates the Tribunal; section 71 says it is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure but guided by natural justice, and lists its civil court powers, including reviewing its decisions and dismissing for default or deciding ex parte. The Act's remedies beyond the Tribunal are in sections 76 and 77; this article does not go into them.
Practical examples
Example 1. An appellant wants a certified copy of a document filed by the respondent. The application goes to the Registrar, who is empowered to order grant of copies to parties.
Example 2. A respondent cannot be served at the address given. The appellant applies to the Registrar for substituted service by newspaper advertisement. The Registrar has the power to order it.
Example 3. The Presiding Officer reserves an order. The cause list for a later day shows the matter for "pronouncement of orders", which has first priority in the list. That entry is the notice.
Example 4. A certified copy of the final order is sent to the Adjudicating Officer and to the parties. The appellant keeps it for any further steps.
Need help following your appeal?
Knowing who to write to and where to look, whether the Registrar, the cause list or the certified order, saves time in an appeal. TaxClue can help you track these steps through our legal consultation service, working from the Rules and the papers you hold.
Key takeaways
- The Registrar registers appeals, fixes dates, issues notices, orders copies and deals with service.
- The next day's cause list is published on the notice board before closing time.
- Pronouncement cases come first in the list; reserved orders are announced through it.
- Every order is signed and dated; interim orders need recorded reasons.
- Certified copies go to the Adjudicating Officer and the parties.
Read next
- Rule 3.3.2 (part 2): defaults, inspection and production of documents
- Rules 3.2.1 and 3.2.2: Presiding Officer of the Tribunal
- Sections 76 and 77: appeal and time limit for prosecutions
- FSSAI appellate tribunal rules
Disclaimer: Based on the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 as enacted, read with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 where it applies (ss.59, 61 and 63 only), and the FSS Rules, 2011 (compendium Version I of 1 April 2025). Verify current notifications, regulations and FSSAI orders before acting.