On 25th November, a single bench of Justice S. Hukato Swu stayed the Nagaland Govt’s decision dated 04-07-2020 to ban the commercial import and trade of dog meat commercially in markets and in restaurants.
A petition was filed by traders of dog meat in Kohima challenging the State Govt’s order on selling of dog meat in the state. On 14-09-2020, the Gauhati High Court has directed the respondents to file Affidavit-in-opposition with interim directions considered thereafter. However, till the date there is no response from the State.
Through his counsel, Mr. L. Iralu, the Petitioner has submitted that the traders importing dog meat for sale is under the registered license and within the jurisdiction of Kohima Municipal. Further, with the impugned order issued, the business & livelihood have been adversely affected and much added to the Covid-19 situation. He further prayed that the impugned order be stayed pending the disposal of the present writ petition.
Taking into consideration all the submissions made by Petitioner, the High Court has emphasized that;
“Under the facts and circumstances placed before the Court, I am of the view that the impugned order dated 04.07.2020 may be stayed until the next returnable date and accordingly order so.”
Therefore, the matter will be posted after the winter vacation. And the court has directed the state respondents to make all efforts to file their Affidavit-in-reply within this period.
Case Title : Neizevolie Kuotsu Alias Toni Kuotsu and ors v. State of Nagaland and ors.
Coram : Justice S. Hukato Swu