The Jharkhand High Court on Friday directed the state government to ensure strict enforcement of food safety regulations framed by the Centre and to immediately curb the sale of meat and chicken in the open across the state.
A division bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Shyamanand Pandey, who raised concerns over unhygienic and unregulated meat sales in public spaces.
During the hearing, the petitioner submitted that goats and chickens are slaughtered in the open and that carcasses are openly displayed in butcher shops, exposing the public to disturbing sights and raising serious hygiene concerns. The bench expressed clear annoyance over the practice and directed the state government along with the Ranchi Municipal Corporation to take immediate corrective steps.
The court also ordered strict implementation of food safety regulations framed by the Union government. Government counsel informed the bench that the state administration is in the process of preparing a draft of its own food safety model regulations. Taking note of this, the court clarified that until the state finalises its regulations, the central food safety rules must be enforced rigorously throughout Jharkhand.
The bench was told that meat is routinely cut and sold in the open, adversely affecting students and passersby. The petitioner pointed out that many schoolchildren get down from buses only to see meat hanging in the open, which, he argued, creates a negative impact on young minds. He also claimed there was no effective mechanism to check the quality and hygiene of the meat being sold and consumed by the public.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 27 next year.
