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Synopsis

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday asked the State Government to submit a report on steps taken on the issue of illegal slaughtering of animals in the state of Karnataka.

A bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum issued notice and sought a status report.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by the Gau Gyan Foundation alleging that the State was not following the High Court's order.

High Court had earlier directed the State Government to ensure that no illegal slaughtering of animals is carried out in any district of the state and immediate remedial measures are being taken to ensure that no such illegal activities take place.

Counsel appearing for the Foundation submitted that the Respondents had not taken any concrete action, which was why these illicit operations were still occurring in the state, particularly in the districts of Mandya, Hassan, Tumkuru, and Bengaluru. 

The bench while directing the State Government to file a status report has posted the matter for further hearing after 2 weeks.

Court had earlier said that stringent action should be taken including criminal action, against persons involved in the illegal slaughtering.

Dealing with a plea filed by Gau Gyan Foundation, a Society registered in New Delhi, working in the field of animal welfare, the Bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum had stated that in case such illegal slaughtering of animals is found by the authorities, the concerned officers shall be held responsible.

The petitioner Foundation, an 'Animal Welfare Organization (AWO) recognized by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) had apprised the Court that in different districts of the state, multiple cases had been lodged against one Abdul Haq, who is a resident of district Hassan, for running several illegal slaughterhouses at Channarayapattana Town and other areas.

It was also alleged that Haq used to supply illegal beef to large cities like Bangalore, Ramanagara, etc. 

Case Title: Gau Gyan Foundation vs. The State of Karnataka & Anr.