The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V. M issued the direction in a public interest litigation seeking stoppage of cattle markets operating without thatched roofs, in violation of the Livestook Market Rules.

The Court had previously directed the District Collectors/ Magistrates in the State to file affidavits detailing compliance with the mandatory requirements under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 in their respective districts. It had also directed the District Collectors to ensure that the District Animals Markets Monitoring Committees are functional.

Subsequently, affidavits were filed by the District Collectors of Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram Thrissur, Malappuram and Idukki. The Court noted that the District Animal Market Monitoring Committee under the 2017 Rules had not been constituted in any of the districts except Idukki.

“In the event the District Animal Market Monitoring Committee is not constituted in every district within a period of eight weeks from date, we shall be constrained to close down all livestock markets.” the court said.

The Court further observed that although it is stated in the affidavits that the 2017 Rules have been strictly followed in the Districts in respect of animals seized and produced as case property, the details of the same have not been submitted.

“It is difficult to accept that the Rules 2017 have been scrupulously followed by everyone. The absence of the District Animal Market Monitoring Committee cannot be a ground to allow violations of the Rules 2017.” the Court said.

It has also directed the State to file an affidavit disclosing the total number or cases registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 and the steps taken against the violators.

The matter is posted on December 02 for further consideration.