In a significant move to ensure compliance with legal standards, the Jharkhand High Court has taken a stern stance against unauthorized meat shops operating in the state. The court’s directive, issued on Wednesday, mandates all Superintendents of Police (SPs) across the state to submit reports on the actions taken against such establishments in their respective jurisdictions.
The bench, comprising Justices Sujit Narayan Prasad and Arun Kumar Rai, responded to a public interest litigation filed by Shyamanand Pandey, who highlighted the rampant issue of meat being sold openly, in violation of established norms and court orders. Pandey pointed out that dead animals are often hung in the open along the streets of the capital, which not only contravenes municipal regulations but also poses significant health risks.
During the litigation, it was revealed that these meat shops, many of which operate without a proper license, blatantly flout regulations by setting up along roadsides. The Ranchi Municipal Corporation has informed the High Court of actions taken against illegal slaughterhouses, yet the petitioner underscored that only a minority of meat shop owners adhere to the rule of taking animals to designated slaughterhouses, with many operating in the Kanke area.
The High Court’s inquiries extend beyond the mere existence of these unauthorized shops; it seeks detailed information on the enforcement of rules concerning the covering of meat, aiming to ascertain whether the meat vendors possess valid licenses to operate.
This crackdown follows a previous hearing where the court had directed all district commissioners and SPs to take decisive measures against illegally operated meat shops and ensure compliance with meat covering regulations. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for April 23.
