Observing that the Maharashtra FDA is using a sword to kill a mosquito and “shoots first” before asking questions, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday asked the regulator to use its power judiciously, warning of imposing heavy costs as cases of its drastic actions have come to its notice.

The HC advised the agency, which is in the news for a slew of raids on food establishments including some famous eateries since IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe was appointed at its helm in May, to act systematically.