Meat shops can’t reopen until comply with hygiene standards: Guj HC

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday denied all applications for reopening filed by the owners of meat and chicken shops in the state, stating that the right to food with hygiene is concomitant with constitutional provisions.

The 800-odd shops were closed in January for operating without necessary licenses and not following food safety standards. The court stated that the right to free trade in food items must serve the requirements of public health and food safety.

The bench of Justice N V Anjaria and Justice Niral Mehta, also said that if such shops adhere to the laws and regulations, and apply for permission to reopen, the authorities must promptly respond and allow them to reopen. The court also rejected the shop owners’ request to reopen during the holy month of Ramzan, citing non-compliance with norms in law. DeshGujarat