Jharkhand High Court Demands Swift Compliance with Slaughterhouse Regulations

Court Directs State Authorities to Implement Uniform Model Regulations Across Urban Local Bodies

Ranchi, December 19, 2025 - The Jharkhand High Court, in a landmark decision, has issued directives to the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) and other state authorities to ensure stringent compliance with municipal laws and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 concerning the operation of slaughterhouses and the sale of mutton. This decisive action aims to curb unauthorized practices and establish uniform regulations across all urban local bodies in Jharkhand.

The case arose from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Shyamanand Pandey against the State of Jharkhand, highlighting the rampant issues of illegal slaughterhouses operating within the state. The court, presided over by Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar, expressed dissatisfaction with the respondents' lack of effective steps to implement previously issued court orders and statutory provisions.

In its judgment, the court emphasized the need for RMC to frame regulations that include licensing of private slaughterhouses, in accordance with Sections 315 and 327 of the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011, and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The court directed the RMC to ensure compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, and related regulations, prohibiting unauthorized mutton sellers and allowing sales only after meeting prescribed standards.

The court's scrutiny of previous compliance efforts revealed inadequate progress by the respondents, prompting a stern warning of serious consequences for continued non-compliance. The Secretary of Health, Medical Education & Family Welfare, along with the Secretary of Urban Development and Housing Department, and the Administrator of Ranchi Municipal Corporation, were ordered to appear before the court.

During the proceedings, these officials assured the court of their commitment to implement the court's directions and statutory provisions in letter and spirit. They pledged to formulate the required regulations within two months, setting a precedent for all urban local bodies in Jharkhand.

This judgment not only mandates the RMC to regulate slaughterhouse operations but also calls for the creation of model regulations applicable to all urban local bodies. The court underscored the importance of ensuring that mutton sellers operate strictly under licenses provided by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the related regulations.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 27, 2026, to review the progress of the implementation efforts. It has directed the respondents to file affidavits confirming compliance with the court's orders and statutory requirements.

The judgment also permitted the impleadment of necessary parties, expanding the scope of the petition to include additional respondents, thereby ensuring comprehensive oversight of the regulatory process.

Bottom Line:

Directions issued to ensure compliance with municipal laws, Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations regarding the operation of slaughterhouses and sale of mutton. Model regulations for all urban local bodies to be framed for uniform implementation.

Statutory Provision(s): Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001

Shyamanand Pandey v. State of Jharkhand, (Jharkhand)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2824438