The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai’s decision to ban meat in Mumbai on September 10, 13, 17 and 18 has caused a furore among meat lovers in the city.
The ban, in effect from Thursday, was imposed on the occasion of the Jain festival Paryushan.
Shiv Sena and MNS activists took to the streets to assert a strong protest against the ban. The activists sold meat at Agar Bazar of Dadar region in Mumbai.
We will continue our agitation against the ban till the Government and the civic body revoke the order.
— Sandip Deshpande, MNS Corporator
Police tried to stop the trade when the MNS workers started chanting slogans against the authorities. The police then arrested the workers and confiscated the meat.
Deshpande said that his party will set up meat stalls on every day of the ban.
Twiteratti mirrored the public sentiment of protest against the meat ban.
Bombay Mutton Dealers’ Association Move HC
The Bombay Mutton Dealers’ Association has moved the High Court against Bombay Municipal Corporation’s decision to ban the source of their livelihood.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the meat dealers were not informed about the ban by the municipal corporation.
Calling the decision unconstitutional, the association further accused the municipal corporation of protecting the interests of a community at the cost of their daily earnings and eventually their business.
Why did the state not impose restriction on the working of abattoirs or sale of meat during the month of Shravan, which is treated as a holy month by Hindus all over? By imposing the restriction during the period of Paryushan Parva, the BMC has violated Article 14 of the Constitution of India, 1950, and rendered their actions liable to be quashed.
— Mutton Association to The Indian Express
The case was heard in the High Court on Thursday and the court has asked the BMC to file as response by Friday.
Meat Ban in Mira Bhayandar
Mira Bhayandar and Navi Mumbai municipal corporations around Mumbai have also banned meat for the Jain festival.
Mira Bhayandar, however, has become a ground of conflicting reports.
According to a report by DNA, Mira Bhayandar Municipal Commissioner Achyut Hange disapproved of state suggestion of a 8-day meat ban. Whereas, the Mayor of Mira-Bhayandar has different plans.
The commissioner has recommended a ban for two days, but we don’t agree with it. Unless the state government directs us, there would be no change in the ban (for entire Paryushan).
— Geeta Jain, Mayor, Mira Bhayandar
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