Hyderabad GHMC orders meat vendors to remain closed on August 15-16 for Independence Day and Janmashtami. MP Owaisi called it unconstitutional. Legal and political debate is ongoing regarding the order.
Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in Hyderabad has issued an order imposing a complete ban on the sale of meat on the occasion of Independence Day and Janmashtami. GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan issued this directive under Section 533(B) of the GHMC Act, 1955. According to this order, all animal slaughterhouses and retail beef shops falling under the jurisdiction of GHMC will remain closed on August 15 and 16.
The GHMC has informed the Commissioners of Police of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda to cooperate in the enforcement of this order. The order's objective is stated to be maintaining peace and respecting cultural traditions on the occasion of the festivals.
Legal Dispute and High Court Hearing
A petition has been filed in the Telangana High Court regarding this order. The petitioners argue that Section 533(B) of the GHMC Act does not authorize the Commissioner to impose a complete commercial closure without any clear and concrete reason.
The court has directed the GHMC to clarify the legal basis of its order. This must include mentioning the potential violations of the right to trade and livelihood under Articles 14 and 19(1)(G) of the Constitution. The hearing of this case will be on August 13.
Legal experts say that any kind of commercial restriction should be sensitive to the individual and economic rights that come under the protection of the Constitution. If the order has been issued without a clear basis, it can be considered unconstitutional.
What is the Political Reaction?
Several political leaders, including Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, have criticized this order. Owaisi called it "draconian and unconstitutional," stating that it violates individual dietary freedom, diversity in a pluralistic society, and the rights of people to earn a livelihood.
Owaisi said on this occasion that what we eat is part of our individual freedom. He also added that festivals can be respected, but it is not appropriate to affect the entire business community without a valid reason.
Other political analysts and social activists are also questioning the social and political impacts of this GHMC order. They say that such an order can create religious and economic discontent in society.
Previous Instances of Meat Sale Bans on Festivals
In India, there have been previous bans on the sale of meat around public holidays and religious festivals. Many states and municipalities have issued such orders, but they are usually implemented with the aim of respecting religious traditions and maintaining public order.
