Delhi's Milk Supply in Danger? High Court's Directs Delhi Govt. to Stop Cattle Feeding on Garbage [Read Order]

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has told the Delhi government to take adequate measures to ensure that cattle don't feed on garbage which would have detrimental effect on milk produced by cows affecting the health of citizens.

A bench of Chief Justice Subhash Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad passed the direction while hearing a PIL by advocate Ritu Gauba.

"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 bench said.

Advocate Santosh Kumar Tripathi, appearing for the Delhi government, submitted adequate steps are being taken by the State to ensure supply of clean and hygienic milk to the people of Delhi. He also said that proper regulations are already in place to ensure the same.

In her plea, Gauba sought a direction the Commissioner of Police to call for and scrutinise the money statement of the Constituency funds being properly used for public welfare and to improve public health. She also sought a direction to the police chief to book, arrest and proceed according to law in case of dereliction of duty to public for safety and security of public health.

The petitioner also contended that there should be a direction to the Commissioner of Police to make regulations for safety and security, care and protection of the Cattle under Section 28 (m), 73, 98, 99 DP Act, Section 11 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and under the provisions of the Penal Code

The Commissioner of Police should be asked to instantly take measures within a week for making provisions for clean drinking water for the Cattles from the public funds in the hands of the Public Authorities, she said.

However, during the arguments, the petitioner-advocate agreed to not to press for her pleas as it was pointed out the first three prayers were in no way connected to her PIL.

An advocate, appearing for the Commissioner of the police, submitted that it is not the duty of the police head  to ensure supply of clean and hygienic milk to the 
people of Delhi.

Delhi government counsel, however, said the petitioner may make a representation which would be looked into.

[Read Order]