Srinagar: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday took cognizance of a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the unchecked sale of unhygienic and unsafe meat and poultry products across the Union Territory.
The petition, filed by Advocate Mir Umar, accuses authorities of ‘gross negligence in enforcing food safety and municipal laws despite repeated government advisories.’
Drawing reference from a newspaper column titled “Meet the Meat Mafia”, the petitioner alleged that a hidden cartel has been supplying substandard meat “not fit for animals, let alone humans,” thereby endangering public health.
The bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued notice to the respondents, including the Union Territory of J&K, municipal authorities, and the Food Safety Department. On oral submissions from counsels, the court also impleaded the Commissioner of Food Safety and Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organisation, as a party in the case.
The government’s counsels sought time to file responses, with the court directing all parties to submit objections by the next hearing.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on August 25, 2025.
