The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (September 9) 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.

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 petitioner has pointed out that many local cattle markets are operating without roofs or basic necessities for cattle, and the same amount to violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Regulation of Livestock Markets Rules, 2017.

Previously, the Court had directed the State to disclose the steps taken against the persons who have violated the provisions of the Act and Rules. 

Today, when the matter was taken up, the the Court directed the District Collectors to file affidavit on compliance on the mandatory requirements under the Act. 

It further directed the directed the District Collectors to ensure that the District Animal Markets Monitoring Committees functional and takes immediate steps to constitute committees if they are not already constituted. 

"Wherever, the District Animal Markets Monitoring Committees are not functional, the District Collectors/ District Magistrate shall take immediate steps to constitute the committees and make it functional." Court said. 

The matter is now posted after four weeks. 

Case No: WP (PIL) No. 92 of 2026

Case Title: Angels Nair v. Union of India and Ors.