Demand to Ban On Open Display of Meat in Jharkhand

Jamshedpur: Advocate Sudhir Kumar Pappu has urged the Jharkhand government to prohibit the open display of meat and animal carcasses at shops and to strictly enforce food safety and hygiene regulations across the state.

In a statement, the advocate said there is no nationwide Supreme Court order imposing a blanket ban on roadside meat sales. However, he claimed that existing legal provisions and food safety regulations require licensed meat shops to maintain proper hygiene, prevent contamination, avoid open slaughtering, and ensure scientific disposal of meat waste.

He further stated that meat waste should not be dumped in the open, as it attracts stray animals and poses a potential threat to public safety, particularly to children. According to him, strict compliance with food safety norms would help improve sanitation and reduce health risks.

Referring to a May 26, 2023 order of the Meghalaya High Court in the Public Interest Litigation titled Go Gyan Foundation vs. State of Meghalaya (PIL No. 2 of 2021), Pappu said the court had directed the state government to prohibit the public display of animal carcasses in meat shops. He noted that the court observed that meat should be stored in refrigerators, covered containers, or inside shops in a manner that is not visible from outside.

The advocate said the High Court had observed that openly hanging animal carcasses could adversely affect children and that exposing meat to dust, flies, smoke, and other pollutants increases the risk of contamination. He added that the order also emphasized adherence to food safety standards and norms relating to the humane handling and transportation of animals.

Pappu urged the Jharkhand government to take cognizance of the matter and issue appropriate directions to district administrations to ensure compliance with applicable food safety regulations, proper waste disposal, and hygienic meat storage and display practices. He also called for action against unlicensed establishments found violating the prescribed norms.