The Jammu & Kashmir High Court has taken a tough stance on the sale of unsafe and rotten meat, putting authorities under strict scrutiny. A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued strong directions to curb the growing menace of food items unfit for human consumption.
This move comes after reports of unsafe meat and other contaminated products, raising serious concerns about public health in the Union Territory.
The Court has impleaded several high-ranking officers, including:
- Commissioner Secretaries of Animal Husbandry, Housing & Urban, and Sales Tax
- Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir and IGP Jammu
These officials have been ordered to file their detailed responses before September 10, the next scheduled hearing date.
Municipal Corporations Under Fire
The High Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) for failing to submit their replies on time.
The Bench sternly warned that if the replies are not filed before the next hearing, the officers concerned will have to appear personally before the Court.
Court Directs Strict Food Safety Measures
In a bid to safeguard public health, the Court has instructed:
- IGP Jammu
- IGP Kashmir
- Commissioner, Food Safety
to ensure that no unsafe meat enters or is sold within Jammu and Kashmir.
Read also: Shocking Food Adulteration in Jammu & Kashmir: What Every Household Must Know!
The directive comes after the Court took note of alarming reports, including the seizure of 21 quintals of synthetic cheese and expired edible oil, which were recently highlighted by a local news outlet.
The matter is listed for the next hearing on September 10, when the compliance reports and action taken by departments will be thoroughly reviewed. The Court has made it clear that negligence in enforcing food safety norms will not be tolerated.
This strong intervention by the High Court reflects its determination to protect the health and safety of citizens in Jammu & Kashmir, sending a clear message to officials about accountability and responsibility.
The High Court’s directions mark a significant step in strengthening food safety standards across Jammu & Kashmir. Authorities now face the pressing task of enforcing these measures to ensure that unsafe meat and contaminated food products do not threaten public health.
