The Punjab and Haryana High Court sought the Union and State governments to provide their responses in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that calls for the enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, specifically the Resignation of Cattle Premises Rules, 1978, in dairy farms located in Chandigarh and nearby villages.

Acting Chief Justice G.S. Sandhwalia and Justice Lapita Banerji have issued notices to the Union of India, the Ministry of Department of Fisheries, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh, and other relevant authorities.

Residents of Chandigarh have approached the High Court, alleging that dairy farmers are utilizing unauthorized drugs such as Oxytocin and maintaining cattle in inadequate living conditions in Chandigarh and the neighboring villages of the two states.

The plea requests the respondents to promptly take essential measures to halt the purported animal cruelty at the dairy farms and adhere to the minimum housing standards outlined by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in the National Code of Practices for Management of Dairy Animals in India. This is particularly emphasized in light of the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The matter is listed for July 16 for further consideration.

Gaurav Vir Singh and S.S. Behl advocate for the petitioners.

Title: Jairoop Riar & Anr. v. UOI & Ors