The Jharkhand High Court comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad issued a set of detailed directions to the State Government and the Ranchi Municipal Corporation concerning the regulation and functioning of slaughterhouses in the State.
During the hearing, the Court directed respondent authorities (State Government officials and Ranchi Municipal Corporation) to file a detailed affidavit outlining the steps taken in compliance with the Court’s earlier orders. Additionally, the affidavit must specifically address the following issues:
Compliance with Bovine Slaughter Law: Whether there have been any violations of the Jharkhand Bovine Animal Prohibition of Slaughter Act, 2005 anywhere in the state.
Slaughterhouses in Municipal Areas: Whether slaughterhouses are a mandatory requirement within municipal areas, and if so, whether small-scale food manufacturers can be lawfully permitted to carry out slaughter activities.
Existence of Illegal Slaughterhouses: Whether any unauthorized slaughterhouses or operators are functioning within the state, and if any action has been taken against them.
Food Safety Regulations Enforcement: Whether the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 are being strictly implemented across the state.
Inspection Mechanism: Whether regular inspections of slaughterhouses are being conducted, and if so, to submit documentary proof of such inspections to ensure public health and hygiene.
Criminal Proceedings Status: The current status of any criminal cases registered pursuant to earlier directions of the Court in this matter.
Furthermore, the Court directed the Director General of Police, Jharkhand, to file a personal affidavit detailing the actions taken in accordance with the Court’s various directions, with specific reference to orders passed on August 7, 2024.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 26, 2025.