Meghalaya High Court: While hearing a petition ethical treatment of animals that are culled for human consumption and the transportation of animals across the State, the Division Bench of Sanjib Banerjee (CJ) and W. Diengdoh, J., directed the State to completely prohibit the display of animal carcasses in meat shops.
In the matter at hand, the Gau Gyan Foundation (‘petitioner’) filed a Public Interest Litigation relating to the treatment of animals that are culled for human consumption and the transportation of animals across the State of Meghalaya. Despite the presence of Central enactments and local regulations, most of the guidelines and norms were not followed and local level committees were not functional.
The Court noted that the State had taken several initiatives as suggested by the petitioner. The Court said that animal carcasses are brazenly displayed on streetside shops, sometimes completely beheaded pigs are displayed in open view. Upon the State being repeatedly advised that such sight may not be appealing even to the most carnivorous of humans, some measures have been taken to ensure that such displays are restrained and altogether prohibited. However, on the ground, it did not appear that there has been any effect of any guidelines or instructions issued by the State in such regard. Streetside shops selling meat display animal carcasses with impunity. The Court also stated that apart from the hideous sight, there is also an element of hygiene involved since the meat displayed is open to the grime and dust of the street and may turn quite toxic even before it is sold.
Further, the Court stated that the State had taken detailed measures in such regard in June 2022 and repeated instructions were followed. Thus, the Court said that the State would do well and set an example and completely prohibit the display of animal carcasses in meat shops, though they may be stored in refrigerators or containers or even in showcases within the premises and not open to public view from outside.
The Court also directed that the State should ensure the ethical treatment of animals across the border, even those which are culled for human consumption and those which are used as farm animals, including the mode and manner of transportation.
The Court also appreciated the petitioner for bringing such important matter before the notice of the Court.
[Gau Gyan Foundation v. Union of India, Public Interest Litigation No. 2 of 2021, Decided on 26-05-2023]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
For the Petitioner: Advocate V. Shraff, Advocate R. Dutta, Advocate S. Chanda;
For the Respondents: Advocate A. Pradhan, Deputy Solicitor General of India Dr. N. Mozika, Additional Senior Government Advocate S. Sengupta, Additional Senior Government Advocate A.H. Kharwanlang.
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