IANS | 03 May, 2024
The Delhi High Court has issued directives to combat the use of
spurious Oxytocin hormone in the dairy colonies across the national
capital, stressing the need to address animal cruelty and public health
concerns.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice
Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P.S. Arora ruled that administering
Oxytocin without proper authorisation constitutes an offence under the
relevant legislation.
The bench was dealing with a plea alleging
violations of various laws in Delhi's dairy colonies, filed by Sunayana
Sibal, Asher Jessudoss, and Akshita Kukreja.
The court asked the
Department of Drugs Control, GNCTD, to conduct regular inspections and
ensure that cases of spurious Oxytocin usage or possession are
registered under the pertinent laws.
Moreover, the Intelligence
Department of the Delhi Police has been tasked with identifying the
sources of Oxytocin and taking legal action against the offenders.
The
plea pointed to the necessity of relocating dairies to areas with
adequate infrastructure and sanitary conditions to safeguard public
health and prevent animal cruelty.
Expressing concern over the
dairies located near the landfill sites, the court stressed the urgency
of relocating such facilities due to potential health hazards posed by
contaminated feed and milk.
While acknowledging the need for
relocation, the court deferred issuing binding directives pending
further consultation with the relevant officials. The court also
directed the key officials from the municipal bodies, veterinary
departments, and food safety authorities to participate in the
proceedings on May 8.
Officials have been tasked with exploring
suitable relocation sites and coordinating efforts to address the
complex issues surrounding dairy operations in Delhi.