Rajasthan High Court Declines PIL Seeking Probe Into Meat Shops In Jodhpur, Says Regulatory Framework Already Exists
Rajasthan High Court disposed of the PIL that raised the issue of unlawful slaughtering of animals and sought regulation of unlicensed meat shops operating in Jodhpur, opining that there was no need for any inquiry or interference in the minute aspects of regulatory framework governing meat trade in the city.At the same time, the division bench of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and...
Rajasthan High Court disposed of the PIL that raised the issue of unlawful slaughtering of animals and sought regulation of unlicensed meat shops operating in Jodhpur, opining that there was no need for any inquiry or interference in the minute aspects of regulatory framework governing meat trade in the city.
At the same time, the division bench of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Praveer Bhatnagar observed that in case any shop was found to be operating without requisite license, the concerned person shall be informed of the requirement to obtain such a license, and the application shall be considered strictly as per prescribed law.
For context, the Court was hearing a PIL that sought directions to the concerned authorities to conduct a detailed survey of the meat shops in Jodhpur that were not established as per law, and to initiate criminal proceedings against such illegal operators.
The PIL further prayed for revision in the bylaws prepared under Section 269 and 340 of the Municipal Act, 2009, for imposition of adequate restrictions on establishment of meat shops nearby religious places, educational institutions, public parks, other public utilities etc., and directions regarding closure of existing meat shops in their vicinity.
The petitioner argued that regulations of meat shops was required and, “while regulating such establishments, due consideration ought to be given to their location, particularly in the vicinity of religious places, educational institutions, public parks, gardens and other public utilities, keeping in view the sentiments of persons who do not consume meat.”
On the contrary it was submitted by the concerned Municipal Corporations that meat shops in Jodhpur were regulated under the Municipal Council, Jodhpur (Maas Vikray, Sthan Nirikshan) Bylaws, 1991, amended by Jodhpur Nagar Nigam, Jodhpur (Maas Vikray, Sthan Nirikshan Amendment) Bylaws, 2012.
Hence, persons intending to operate meat shops were governed under these, and the licenses were also provided as per prescribed regulatory framework. Further, an affidavit was filed by the authorities which said that slaughterhouses were demarcated, and under the scheme of applicable bylaws there were 351 license holders in Jodhpur.
After hearing the contentions, the Court opined that there was no need for any detailed inquiry in the present PIL, either into the operation of slaughterhouses or in the trade of meat.
“This Court is not persuaded to enter into such minute aspects of regulatory supervision in exercise of its jurisdiction in the present Public Interest Litigation. The additional affidavit filed by the respondent authorities sufficiently indicates the regulatory framework governing the meat trade in Jodhpur City…”
In this background, it was held that no further adjudication was required, and the petition was disposed of.
Title: Aasif Ali v Municipal Corporation & Ors.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 303
Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. Moti Singh
Counsel for Respondents: Mr. Deepak Chandak, AAAG for Mr. B.L. Bhati; AAG Mr. Sunil Purohit; Mr. Rajat Dave; Mr. Naved Khan Sindhi