Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 10: The High Court today came down heavily on the authorities over the rampant sale and storage of unhygienic and unsafe meat and other food items in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the hearing, the amicus curiae pointed out that the replies filed by the authorities were “cosmetic” in nature and no concrete efforts had been demonstrated on the ground. The Bench, while concurring with these concerns, observed: “There may be officers who will do nothing, but you as amicus file your response in writing and also give us a complete road map to curb this menace”, the court observed to amicus
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The Government counsel submitted that the Inspector General’s of Police (IGPs) of Jammu and Kashmir divisions have communicated their plan to hold meetings with respective Divisional Commissioners and District Magistrates to formulate flying squads aimed at ensuring a total ban on unsafe meat and other edibles.
Acknowledging these developments, Ganaie appreciated the initiative, noting that the IGP has already directed Police Stations to take action against the sale of unhygienic meat and food products.
However, the Additional Advocate General also admitted that Municipal Health Inspectors, who are entrusted with food safety checks, are instead functioning merely as “Khilaf Warzi Officers.”
The Bench sternly remarked that the authorities must take strict action, “come what may.” The court added that if the concerned officers had performed their statutory duties properly, there would have been no need for the petitioner to knock at the doors of the judiciary.
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