For clean, hygienic milk for residents, ensure cattle don’t feed on garbage: HC to Delhi govt

The order passed by a division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad on March 29 came in response to a plea by an advocate seeking a direction to the Commissioner of Police to take all measures to ensure clean and hygienic milk is supplied to the people of Delhi.

By: Express News Service

New Delhi | Updated: April 8, 2023 09:27 AM IST

3 min read

The court noted that the three prayers were, in no way, connected with the purpose for which the instant plea was filed; the petitioner said that the same will not be pressed at that point. (Express Photo)

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The Delhi High Court has asked the state government to take steps to ensure that clean and hygienic milk is provided to the citizens of Delhi, and prevent cattle from feeding on garbage as it can have a “detrimental effect on the quality of milk” produced by cows, resulting in “deleterious effect on the consumers”.

During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the Commissioner of Police submitted that it is not his client’s duty to ensure supply of clean and hygienic milk to the people of Delhi. Thereafter, the bench requested standing counsel for Delhi Government Santosh Kumar Tripathi to accept notice for the State with regard to the issue. Tripathi submitted that the petitioner can file a representation before the State and that representation would be considered by the State in accordance with law. He further submitted that adequate steps are being taken to ensure supply of clean and hygienic milk to the people of Delhi and that proper regulations are already in place to ensure the same.

After hearing the submissions, the bench observed that “no further Orders are required to be passed” in the plea. The court said that the petitioner is at liberty to file a representation before the State Government or GNCTD (Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi).

“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,” the HC said disposing of the plea.

Among other reliefs the plea prayed for included direction to Police Commissioner to scrutinise the money statement of the Constituency funds to see that they are properly used for public welfare; to book, arrest and proceed according to law in case of dereliction of duty to public and security of public health; to make regulations for safety and security, care and protection of the cattle under Delhi Police Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act as well as the IPC.

The court noted that the three prayers were, in no way, connected with the purpose for which the instant plea was filed; the petitioner said that the same will not be pressed at that point.

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