Mutton dealers move Bombay High Court

The petitioners also questioned the way the BMC announced the ban without any prior notice.

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The petition states that they first learnt of the ban through newspaper reports and it was only a day after these reports that the BMC sent them a written notice directing that all slaughterhouses and meat shops must remain shut on September 10, 13, 17 and 18 this year.

Claiming that the decision would have a negative effect on their trade and affect their earnings, the mutton dealers have also questioned the BMC’s decision saying there seemed to be no “direct and proximate nexus or a reasonable connection between the restriction imposed and the object which is sought to be achieved by the actions of BMC or the state”.

“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.”

The HC is likely to take up the matter for hearing Thursday.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com