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The apex court has asked the Union government to reply within two weeks.

 

The next hearing has been scheduled for July 11, media reported.

 

On May 26, the Union Ministry of Environment issued the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017.

 

According to the notification, “No person shall bring cattle to an animal market unless upon arrival he has furnished a written declaration signed by the owner of the cattle – stating the name and address of the owner of the cattle, with a copy of the photo identification proof. Giving details of the identification of the cattle and stating that the cattle has not been brought to market for sale for slaughter.”

 

The notification raised countrywide debates on the issue, According to media reports, states such as Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal and Tripura have said they are against the implementation of the notification as it would affect the livelihood of many people.

 

A petitioner approached the highest court saying that the notification was not only "discriminatory" and "unconstitutional" but also impinged upon a cattle trader's right to free trade.

 

On May 30, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court issued an interim stay on the implementation of Central government's rules banning the sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter at animal markets.