Delhi HC warns civic authorities of contempt action for illegal slaughter at Ghazipur chicken market

The Delhi High Court on Thursday termed as “horrifying” the continued illegal slaughter of chicken and other birds in Delhi’s Ghazipur Murga Mandi. 

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia examined the photographs of the area and asked whether the Court’s September 24, 2018, order banning such slaughter in Ghazipur Mandi, was being violated. 

“Please ensure that this is done. This is horrifying,” the Court remarked. 

The Bench was hearing a contempt petition filed by animal welfare activist Gauri Maulekhi alleging non-compliance with the Court’s 2018 order. 

The Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other civic bodies to reply in two weeks to a contempt of court petition alleging non-compliance with its earlier orders.

It warned that if the reply is found to be unsatisfactory, contempt action would be initiated against the authorities.

During the hearing today, Maulekhi furnished certain photographs to show that the court’s directions were being flouted. 

The High Court had banned the slaughter of birds in the area and asked the authorities to come up with a plan to establish a “proper market” complying with all the environmental and pollution requirements. 

Advocate Tushar Sannu appeared for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and said that they have acted against erring establishments. He added that in case anyone is found running the slaughterhouse without a license or violating the terms of the license, the corporation will act against them. 

After hearing the case briefly, the Bench directed the MCD and other authorities to file their replies.

“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,” the Court ordered.