J&K&L High Court Issues Notice On PIL Alleging Sale Of Rotten, Unhygienic Meat In Kashmir; Negligence Of Civic Authorities
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Tuesday issued notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Mir Umar, highlighting the unchecked sale of rotten, unhygienic and unsafe meat and poultry products in the Union Territory and alleging gross negligence of authorities in enforcing food safety and municipal laws.The PIL, titled against various departments,...
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Tuesday issued notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Mir Umar, highlighting the unchecked sale of rotten, unhygienic and unsafe meat and poultry products in the Union Territory and alleging gross negligence of authorities in enforcing food safety and municipal laws.
The PIL, titled against various departments, draws attention to a local newspaper column, “Meet the Meat Mafia,” claiming the existence of a hidden cartel feeding Kashmir with unsafe meat.”
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal heard the matter and issued notice to the respondents, who were already served with advance copies of the petition.
During the hearing, the Court observed that the Commissioner, Food Safety and Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organisation, J&K, would be a necessary party to the proceedings. On oral prayer by counsel, the Commissioner was impleaded as respondent no. 6, with notice accepted in Court by Mr. Hakim Aman Ali, Dy. AG.
The Court granted the respondents a short time to file their objections, warning that “appropriate orders shall follow” if responses are not filed before the next date of hearing. The petitioner's counsel also submitted that additional supporting material will be placed on record in the meantime.
The matter will be taken up next on August 25, 2025.
APPEARANCE:
Mr. Shafqat Nazir, Advocate Petitioner in person.
Mr. Hakim Aman Ali, Dy. AG, appeared for respondents 1 to 3; Mr. Bikramdeep Singh, Dy. AG, for respondent no. 4; and Mr. S.S. Nanda, Sr. AAG, for respondent no. 5.