MATHEW Vs. VALAKOM GRAMA PANCHAYAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These Writ Petitions, which have been bunched up and are being proceeded with, after public notice at the cost of the Government, relate to the unauthorized slaughtering of animals and skinning, slicing and vending of meat.

(2.) The bunch of laws governing the activity could be traced as lying spread in the Kerala Municipality Act, Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, the Slaughter House Rules, the Public Health Act, Rules, Regulations and Notifications issued under different legislations. It is also the prescription of law relating to protection of animals and prevention of cruelty to them that activities will have to stand regulated in terms of law. Art.21 of the Constitution is intended to deal with the whole system that could be treated as available within the territory of India.

(3.) With the aforesaid in mind, a detailed order was issued on 10.12.2008 noticing various facts and after hearing the learned counsel appearing or all sides, it is appropriate to quote the following from that order: