Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Aug 25: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday observed that the sale of rotten meat, poultry, and other unregulated food items is a matter of public importance with serious health implications.
A division bench comprising Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal made the observation while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Mir Umar. The court appointed Senior Advocate Jehangir Iqbal Ganaie as Amicus Curiae to assist in the proceedings.
Advocate Shafqat Nazir appeared on behalf of the petitioner, while petitioner Mir Umar was also present in person before the court.
On behalf of the government, Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin Qadri, Deputy Advocate Generals Hakim Aman Ali and Bikram Deep Singh, and Government Advocate Waseem Gul appeared. They informed the court that the government’s response to the PIL is ready and will be submitted during the day.
The bench directed that the matter be listed for the next hearing on September 3.
The PIL seeks the court’s intervention to address the sale and distribution of meat and other food products that are alleged to be unsafe for consumption.
It argues that the continued circulation of such items poses a risk to public health and indicates lapses in the implementation of food safety regulations.
