Ranchi, Jharkhand: In a decisive move to enforce food safety and animal slaughter laws, the Jharkhand High Court has directed the State Government and the Director General of Police (DGP) to submit comprehensive action reports on the sale of banned meat, illegal slaughterhouses, and related violations.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (W.P. (PIL) No. 5169 of 2023), the division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad instructed the respondents to file affidavits detailing their compliance with earlier court directives, especially those issued on August 7, 2024.
Personal Affidavit from DGP Ordered
The Court has asked the DGP to personally outline all measures taken in accordance with its prior rulings. It observed, “In addition, the Director General of Police, Jharkhand is directed to file his personal affidavit with regard to the action taken pursuant to the various directions passed by this Court, particularly the directions passed on 07.08.2024.”
Petitioner Shyamanand Pandey, represented by Advocate Shubham Kataruka, has raised concerns over widespread violations of slaughter regulations. The State was represented by Mr. Yogesh Modi, Assistant Counsel to the Additional Advocate General, while Advocate L.C.N. Shahdeo appeared for the Ranchi Municipal Corporation.
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Key Queries Raised by the Bench
The High Court has demanded clear responses on six critical points:
- Breach of Jharkhand Bovine Animal Prohibition of Slaughter Act, 2005: Are there violations reported across the state?
- Legal Requirement of Slaughterhouses: Must a slaughterhouse exist in municipal areas, and can petty food manufacturers legally engage in animal slaughter?
- Unlicensed Operators: Are unauthorized slaughterhouses or individuals active within the state?
- Food Safety Implementation: Are the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, being enforced adequately?
- Hygiene Inspections: Are regular health and hygiene inspections being conducted with documentary evidence?
- Criminal Proceedings: What is the status of cases filed in compliance with previous orders?
The Court has fixed the next hearing for August 26, 2025, and directed that the affidavits should provide specific and verifiable details to ensure accountability.
Focus on Public Health and Rule of Law
By taking suo motu interest in this matter, the Court has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding public health, upholding statutory regulations, and curbing unregulated animal slaughter. The outcome of this case is likely to shape regulatory enforcement across Jharkhand.
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