Today, the Delhi High Court expressed concern over allegations of cruelty towards livestock and the impact of poor hygiene conditions on the quality of milk distributed in the state.

The Special Bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora, made these remarks in response to several residents from the Bhalaswa area who intervened in the proceedings to challenge the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s demolition notice.

The President of the Bhalaswa Dairy Colony expressed the residents' reluctance to relocate, citing concerns about the upcoming winter and a desire to reclaim their plots while ceasing dairy operations. They feared that surrendering their livestock might lead to the demolition of their homes or commercial shops. The court clarified that the decision regarding the residents' removal rests with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

In a previous court order, residents were given two options: move to Ghoga with their livestock or surrender their livestock and keep their land. The residents had opted to relocate, but the court was surprised by the discrepancy between the number of affidavits filed and the number of residents.

The court inquired about the number of plot owners not named in the suit. The petitioners explained that a dairy owned by one person was managed by another, and the court sought clarification on the identity of the Bhalaswa Dairy's president and the total number of residents. The president stated there were approximately 5,000 residents.

The court requested details on the number of individuals who had not submitted affidavits or were not part of the suit, revealing that 120 individuals had yet to provide their affidavits.

The court noted that out of 1,328 plots initially allocated for the dairy colony, 262 were used exclusively for dairies, 145 combined dairy and residential uses, and 12 integrated dairy with commercial activities, totaling 419 dairies. Of these, 401 affidavits were filed.

The court extended the deadline for Bhalaswa Dairy owners to submit affidavits regarding livestock surrender. It acknowledged the change in stance from those who had previously agreed to move to Ghoga. The court also observed that the affidavits produced were in Hindi with only thumb impressions and lacked proper verification. It ordered that new affidavits include copies of Aadhaar cards.

Petitioners argued that the government’s list of names and plot numbers did not match the affidavits, rendering them invalid. Consequently, the court extended the deadline for Bhalaswa residents to file their affidavits.

Sunayana Sibal, Asher Jesudoss, and Akshita Kukreja filed a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging severe cruelty towards bovines in dairy colonies and a lack of essential infrastructure, leading to unhygienic milk production and significant pollution.

In its May 8 order, the Delhi High Court criticized the state government for neglecting the health risks associated with milk produced near the Ghazipur and Bhalswa landfill sites. The court issued directions to address these critical issues in the dairy colonies.

Case Title: Sunayana Sibal & Ors. v Government Of NCT Of Delhi & Ors