Licences granted to meat shops in Delhi- MCD tells HC

New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) Municipal Corporation Of Delhi (MCD) told the Delhi High Court today that they have issued licences to 2393 meat shops in the national capital.

MCD standing counsel Madhu Twetia told the court that pursuant to the court orders they have framed some policy and the licences are being issued in accordance with the policy.

A bench comprising Justices T S Thakur and Sidharth Mridul was hearing the matter related to functioning of illegal meat shops in Delhi. A petion was filed by a lawyer Varun Goswami who said since the policy in place and the licences are being issued to the meat shops, the previous order of the Delhi High Court should be withdrawn. Earlier the High Court had ordered closure of all meat shops which are running without a licence.

Goswami said the MCD was not issuing any licences to the meat shops at all, which is why 99 per cent shops in Delhi were termed illegal. Now since the MCD has framed a policy under which licences should be issued all the shops who have upgraded themselves have been legalised.

Mr Goswami told the court that since there is a policy to regulate the functioning of meat shops, the court should withdraw its previous order in which it had directed to close down all meat shops.

MCD lawyer told the court that they have closed 537 illegal shops till now and 214 shopkeepers have changed their trade. 2393 shops have been granted licences. Modifications and moderinisation has been done in these shops.

The Court directed the MCD to ensure that the policy framed by MCD is implemented and the meat sellers maintain proper hygiene and standards.

''Is there any medical check up of the animal before slaughtering to ensure that no disease is passed ?" the bench inquired. MCD counsel told the court that they have 15 doctors and three meat raid squads which monitor the health of the animals and ensure that the 'quality control'standards are met.

UNI SNG KK RAI1845