NEIZEVOLIE KUOTSU Vs. STATE OF NAGALAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. L Iralu, learned counsel for the petitioners along with Ms. Shrieya Porop-karie, learned counsel for respondents Nos. 6 & 7, Ms. V Suokhrie, learned Addl. Advocate General for the State respondents Nos. 1 & 2 and Ms. Limanaro, learned counsel for respondents Nos. 4 & 5

(2.) This petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution is for issuance of the appropriate writ for violation of the petitioners' Fundamental Rights under Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and for violation of principles of natural justice, which according to the petitioners have been violated by Notification No. CSO/CORRES-19/CAB/2017 dtd. 4/7/2020, banning the commercial import, trading of dogs and dog markets as well as commercial sale of dog meat in markets and dine in restaurants, while, the petitioners have an Import/Export permit, dtd. 3/6/2020,issued by the Kohima Municipal Council, which allows the petitioner to import dogs to Kohima and have been earning their livelihood by selling dog meat for the past many years.

(3.) The learned counsel for the petitioners, Mr. L. Iralu, submits that the impugned notification dtd. 4/7/2020 banning the commercial import, trading of dogs and dog markets as well as commercial sale of dog meat in markets and dine in restaurants was issued under the Food Safety Authority of India and under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Henceforth referred to as FSS Act, 2006) and under Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011 (Henceforth referred to as Regulation, 2011.