Today, on 29th January, the Delhi High Court termed the illegal slaughter of chickens and birds at Ghazipur Murga Mandi “horrifying” after examining photographs. A Division Bench questioned whether its September 24, 2018 order banning such slaughter was being openly ignored by authorities.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court described the ongoing illegal slaughter of chickens and other birds at Ghazipur Murga Mandi as “horrifying”.
A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, reviewed photographs of the site and questioned whether their order from September 24, 2018, which prohibited such slaughter, was being ignored.
The Court indicated,
“Please ensure that this is done. This is horrifying,”
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The case arose from a contempt petition filed by animal welfare activist Gauri Maulekhi, who alleged the authorities’ non-compliance with the Court’s 2018 ruling.
The Court instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other relevant civic bodies to respond within two weeks regarding the allegations of contempt. They cautioned that contempt proceedings could ensue if the response is deemed unsatisfactory.
During the proceedings, Maulekhi presented photographs as evidence of the ongoing violations of the Court’s directions.
The High Court had previously prohibited the slaughter of birds in the area and mandated that authorities devise a plan to create a “proper market” that adheres to all environmental and pollution standards.
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Advocate Tushar Sannu, representing the MCD, stated that action had been taken against non-compliant establishments. He assured the Court that the corporation would take action against any slaughterhouse operating without a license or breaching its conditions.
After a brief discussion, the Bench directed the MCD and other authorities to submit their responses.
The Court ordered,
“Respondents shall file an affidavit giving details of action, if any, for ensuring the compliance of directions contained in our order dated September 24, 2018. The affidavit shall also be filed in two weeks,”