The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre over a plea seeking rules to prevent cruelty to egg-laying hens in poultry farms.
The Centre has been given one week's time to respond to the notice by the apex court.
The Animal Welfare Board has filed the Petition complaining that hens were being kept in cages in an overcrowded condition without any room for even the slightest movement.
The petitioner has sought transfer of four PIL pending in high courts.
The next date of the hearing is on August 5.