High Court seeks Govt response on PIL against sale of unsafe meat

Srinagar, Aug 20: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has sought a response from the Union Territory administration in connection with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking intervention to stop the alleged sale and transportation of unsafe, uncertified meat, poultry, and fish in the Kashmir Valley.
The matter was heard by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, which listed the case for further hearing on August 25.
The PIL has been filed by Advocate Mir Umar through Advocate Shafqat Nazir under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
The petitioner has described the issue as a serious public health concern, alleging that meat and poultry products that are unfit for consumption are entering markets without proper veterinary inspection or certification.
According to the petition, this not only endangers public health but also violates the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The petition seeks directions from the court for the government to take immediate measures to curb the sale, distribution, and transport of unsafe meat and poultry products.
It calls for the establishment of a permanent mechanism to inspect and monitor slaughterhouses, cold storages, markets, and entry points to ensure only certified products are allowed into circulation.
The petitioner has urged the court to direct the enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
In addition to regulatory enforcement, the PIL demands regular inspections of food establishments, seizure and destruction of unsafe products, prosecution of violators under applicable laws, and the launch of public awareness campaigns.
It also recommends the introduction of labelling systems for Halal and Jhatka meat to enable informed consumer choices.
The petition comes in the wake of several instances over recent weeks where enforcement agencies, including the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), reportedly seized meat products considered unfit for consumption.
The petitioner argues that without a consistent and systematised approach to monitoring and certification, such incidents are likely to continue, thereby posing a continued risk to consumers.
During the proceedings, Deputy Advocate General Bikram Deep Singh and Advocate Hakeem Amaan Ali, appearing on behalf of the government, assured the court that the administration would assist the court in addressing the matter.
The court has given the government time until August 25 to file its response. (KNS)