Kerala HC warns of livestock market shutdown over missing district panels

The Kerala High Court has told the state to set up animal market monitoring committees in all districts within eight weeks. It warned that all livestock markets could be shut if the order is not obeyed.Stock photo used for illustrationKochi,Oct 9, 2026 21:58 ISTThe Kerala High Court has warned the state government that it will shut all livestock markets in the state if District Animal Market Monitoring Committees are not set up in every district within eight weeks. The court issued the warning after being told that, barring Idukki, no district had constituted the committee.A bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M also questioned claims that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 were being followed strictly across districts. It noted that no details had been furnished about animals seized and produced as case property.The bench said, "It is difficult to accept that the Rules 2017 have been scrupulously followed by everyone. The absence of the District Animal Market Monitoring Committee cannot be a ground to allow violations of the Rules 2017." It further warned, "In the event the District Animal Market Monitoring Committee is not constituted in every district within a period of eight weeks from date, we shall be constrained to close down all livestock markets."The court directed the state government to file an affidavit disclosing the cases registered under the 2017 Rules so far and the steps taken against violators. It then posted the matter for further hearing on December 2. The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by animal rights activist Angels Nair, who alleged that cattle meant for trade were being kept cruelly tethered in scorching heat without food or water, in violation of the 2017 rules governing cattle markets.In sum, the High Court has asked the Kerala government to set up monitoring committees in all districts within eight weeks, file details of action taken under the 2017 rules, and has warned that failure to comply could lead to the closure of all livestock markets in the state. - Ends