Later, an official of the wildlife department also vouched that the animals kept by him were not covered under the act and his shop does not need a licence to operate.

Rai moved the high court to register a case. The court took cognisance of the matter and issued notices to Maneka, the PFA and the Delhi Police, asking for a reply in the matter.

Rai, in his petition, also challenged the 'raid' by the NGO employees.

'Under Section 32 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, only a police officer of a specified rank or any person authorised by the state government on his behalf and having a reason to believe commission of offence under the Act has power to enter and search a place. Neither the NGO run by Maneka nor the intruders sent by her were authorised to conduct such a raid,' Rai said.