The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Monday directed the Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to appear in person before it for failing to submit a status report about the ongoing construction of an abattoir in Srinagar..The Bench of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued the direction after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition pertaining to the construction of slaughterhouses in Jammu and Srinagar..During the hearing, the Court expressed serious displeasure over non-compliance with its previous directions..On March 25, the Court had granted a "last and final opportunity" to the respondents to file a status report, clearly stating that the SMC Commissioner shall appear in person in case of failure to do so. However, neither the status report was filed nor the Commissioner was present before the Court..Taking note of the same, the Court today directed the SMC commissioner to appear in person on the next date of hearing to explain the lapse and provide a comprehensive update on the status of the project..Advocate Supriya Chouhan, representing the petitioner, submitted that despite repeated directions from the court, the authorities have shown a lack of seriousness in completing the abattoir projects. She said the slaughterhouses are crucial for ensuring public health, sanitation, and proper regulation of meat processing activities in the twin capital cities..The matter will be heard next on May 13.
