The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to Centre and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to file their responses on a plea seeking regulations on slaughter of animals on religious occasions as it contributes to pollution.
The PIL has pointed out that the prevalent practice of slaughtering animals and then discharging biological waste in the drain or kept lying on the roads. Such manner of disposal spreads diseases and also infects the water and environment at large. The practice allegedly violates:
- Rule 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001.
- Section 28 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
- Article 51A of the Constitution.
- Section 268 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
“The discharge of untreated waste has been argued to be in violation of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Prevention and Control of Water Pollution Act, 1974. Slaughtering is permitted only in slaughter houses,” the plea said.
On High Court’s order, the DPCC was impleaded on February 7.
The PIL was initially filed in the SC. By an order dated Aug 27, 2018, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court advised petitioner Anil Sharma to approach the Delhi High Court.
Animal slaughter is a widespread practice in both Hindu and Muslim religions. The PIL has quoted several parts of the Islamic text. For example as per Holy Quran’s Aayat No. 22:37 it is clearly mentioned that: “Neither the Flesh reaches Allah nor their Blood, but it’s your piety that reaches him.”
The PIL has also relied upon the court’s order banning sale of Diwali crackers, which has brought some positive outcome.
It has thus been argued that this PIL is in public interest and not targeting any religion.
Court will next hear the matter on September 4, 2019.
—India Legal Bureau