Morung Express News
Kohima | October 30
The High Court has granted 3 weeks time for the Nagaland government to reply as a last chance regarding the dog meat ban issue which is currently being challenged in court failing which, interim prayer will be considered.
On the latest hearing on October 28, state government counsel sought time to file reply. "The learned counsel for the respondents (state government and others) prays for 3(three) weeks time to file affidavit-in-opposition... Considering the sensitiveness of the matter the respondents are given 3(three) weeks time to file their affidavit-in-opposition as last chance," a single bench headed by Justice Songkhupchung Serto said.
The Petitioner's counsel had earlier insisted that in that case the interim prayer be taken up. The court also said that the matter will be immediately listed for hearing after 3 weeks and if the matter cannot be heard and disposed off, "the interim prayer will be heard."
As an interim measure, the petitioners earlier prayed to suspend the operation of the notification and for quashing and setting aside the notification and cabinet decision. The petition was filed on September 2 challenging legal basis and jurisdiction regarding the ban on the trade and sale of dogs and dog meat in Nagaland in July this year. The prohibition was called in effect by the state government on July 4, 2020 citing provisions of the Food Safety & Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
