Ranchi, December 19, 2025 – The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday expressed sharp displeasure over the State’s delay in framing regulations on private and municipal slaughterhouses, especially in Ranchi. During the hearing, the bench, headed by the Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar, noted that previous directions had not been complied with, forcing senior government officials to appear in person.
From the press gallery, it felt evident that the Court was in no mood for excuses. One of the judges remarked in a firm tone that respondents had been “simply dilly-dallying” since 2023, despite repeated reminders.
Background
The matter relates to a PIL filed by Shyamanand Pandey concerning illegal slaughter activities and lack of regulatory clarity for private operators. The Court had earlier quashed a 2018 notice from the Ranchi Municipal Corporation and directed the administration to create a proper licensing framework that aligns with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. However, affidavits filed this year failed to mention any concrete steps taken after 2023, prompting today’s confrontation.
Advocates for the petitioner argued that the State has left a regulatory vacuum, causing confusion for mutton sellers and opening space for unlicensed trade. “People are willing to follow the law, but the law itself isn’t being put in place,” counsel submitted.
Court’s Observations
The Court grilled officers from the Health, Urban Development, and Ranchi Municipal Corporation departments for nearly an hour. From where I sat, there were uncomfortable pauses. Eventually, the bench said,
“We may be constrained to make adverse comments on the working of the respondents.”
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At one point, the Chief Justice observed:
“This is not a matter to be taken casually. Compliance is not optional. The directions of this Court must be implemented in letter and spirit.”
The Court also indicated that regulations shouldn’t just apply to Ranchi, but must serve as a model for all urban local bodies across Jharkhand, signaling that the issue has expanded beyond a single municipal jurisdiction.
Decision
By the end of the hearing, the State officers assured the Court they would frame proper regulations within two months. The bench recorded this promise but attached a warning: if violations continue, consequences may follow.
The order directs that:
- Only licensed businesses may sell mutton or conduct slaughtering.
- Meat sold must comply with Food Safety Regulations, 2011 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughterhouse) Rules, 2001.
- No unauthorized sellers are to be permitted.
- Compliance affidavits must be filed before the next hearing on February 27, 2026.
Case Title: Shyamanand Pandey vs. The State of Jharkhand & Others
Case Type & Number: W.P. (PIL) No. 5169 of 2023
Date of Order: 19 December 2025
