Section 424 of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957
- (1)If the Commissioner or any person authorised by him in this behalf has reason to believe that any animal intended for human consumption is being slaughtered or that the flesh of any such animal is being sold or exposed for sale, in any place or manner not duly authorised under this Act, he may, at any time by day or night without notice, inspect such place for the purpose of satisfying himself as to whether any provision of this Act or of any bye-law under this Act at the time in force is being contravened thereat and may seize any such animal or the carcass of such animal or such flesh found therein.
- (2)The Commissioner may remove and sell by auction or otherwise dispose of any animal or carcass of any animal or any flesh seized under sub-section (1).
- (3)If within one month of such seizure the owner of the animal, carcass or flesh face to appear and prove his claim to the satisfaction of the Commissioner or if the owner is convicted of an offence under this Act in respect of such animal, carcass or flesh, the proceeds of any sale under sub-section (1) shall vest in 1[2[the Corporation]].
- (4)Any person slaughtering any animal or selling or exposing for sale the flesh of any such animal in any place or manner not duly authorised under the provisions of this Act may be arrested by any police officer without a warrant.
- (5)No claim shall lie against any person for compensation for any damage necessarily caused by any such entry or by the use of any force necessary for affecting such entry.
Summary
- This provision gives the Commissioner power to inspect places suspected of illegally slaughtering animals or selling unauthorized meat.
- Inspections can happen at any time of the day or night without any prior notice.
- Officials can seize the animals, carcasses, or meat found during these surprise inspections.
- The seized meat or animals can be sold by auction or disposed of by the Commissioner.
- Anyone slaughtering or selling meat illegally can be arrested by a police officer without a warrant.
- People cannot claim compensation for property damage caused by forced entry during these inspections.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can municipal officers inspect my shop at night without notice under Section 424 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957?
Yes, Section 424 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act allows the Commissioner or authorised persons to inspect suspected illegal slaughterhouses at any time by day or night without giving notice.
2. What happens to the meat seized during an inspection under Section 424 of the Delhi municipal law?
Under Section 424 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, the Commissioner can remove and sell the seized animal, carcass, or flesh by auction or dispose of it otherwise.
3. Can I get compensated if my door is broken during an inspection under Section 424 of the 1957 Act?
No, Section 424 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act explicitly states that no claim for compensation shall lie for any damage necessarily caused by entry or the use of force.
4. Can the police arrest someone for illegal slaughter under Section 424 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957?
Yes, Section 424 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act permits any police officer to arrest a person without a warrant if they are found illegally slaughtering animals or selling the meat.
Test yourself
Q1.What is the time limit for an owner to prove their claim over seized meat under Section 424 of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 before the sale proceeds vest in the Corporation?
Q2.According to Section 424 of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, when can an inspection of a suspected illegal slaughterhouse take place?
Q3.What protection does Section 424 of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 give to officers who cause damage while forcing entry to inspect an illegal slaughterhouse?
Q4.Under Section 424 of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, what authority does a police officer have when encountering someone selling illegally slaughtered meat?