Kanoon Ki Dastak
Srinagar, April 21 — The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Monday directed the Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to appear in person for failing to submit a status report regarding the ongoing construction of an abattoir in Srinagar.
The directive was issued by a Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) related to the construction of slaughterhouses in Jammu and Srinagar.
Expressing strong displeasure over the non-compliance with its earlier directions, the Court recalled that on March 25 it had granted a “last and final opportunity” to the concerned authorities to file the required status report. The order had explicitly stated that failure to do so would necessitate the personal appearance of the SMC Commissioner.
Despite the clear warning, the status report was not filed, and the Commissioner did not appear before the Court, prompting Monday’s order.
The Court has now directed the SMC Commissioner to be present on the next hearing date to explain the lapse and provide a comprehensive update on the progress of the project.
Advocate Supriya Chouhan, representing the petitioner, criticized the authorities for their lack of seriousness, stating that the completion of slaughterhouses is essential for maintaining public health, hygiene, and proper regulation of meat processing in the twin capitals.
The matter has been listed for the next hearing on May 13.