The Delhi High Court has directed the national capital government for taking steps to ensure clean and hygienic milk for the citizens for which it should make sure that the cattles do not feed on plastic or garbage in the national capital.

A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad said that the cattle feeding on garbage or plastic can have a detrimental effect on the quality of milk and a deleterious effect on the people who consume it.

The court passed the direction while disposing of a public interest litigation moved by a lawyer Ritu Gauba. She had prayed that Commissioner of Delhi Police be directed to take all measures for ensuring clean and hygienic milk to be supplied to people residing in Delhi.

While the Standing Counsel appearing for the police submitted that it is not the duty of the Commissioner of Police to ensure supply of clean and hygienic milk, the counsel appearing for Delhi government submitted that a representation be filed by the lawyer which would be considered by the government in accordance with law.

It was also submitted that adequate steps are being taken by the government to ensure supply of clean and hygienic milk to the citizens and that proper regulations are already in place to ensure the same.

Taking note of the government’s stand, the court granted liberty to the petitioner lawyer to file a representation before the Delhi government.

Observing that no further orders are required to be passed in the matter, the bench said:

“The State Government (GNCTD) shall take appropriate steps to ensure that clean and hygienic milk is provided to the citizens of Delhi and that cattle do not feed on garbage, plastic, papers etc. as this can have a detrimental effect on the quality of milk which is produced by cows and the same can have deleterious effect on the people who consume it.”