Butchers challenge beef ban in HC

The ban on sale,storage and transport of beef or its products in Gujarat has been challenged in the High Court by members of the Quresh community,which claimed the prohibition imposed by law had severely affected their business of selling meat.

The petition was filed by Quresh Vikas Manch,which challenged sections of Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act,2011,passed last year,claiming it was against their fundamental rights of trading in a food substance which is not banned for consumption.

A division has issued a notice to the state government and asked it to file a reply within four weeks.

The petitioners,who are butchers engaged in selling of meat,alleged new provisions were arbitrary and inconsistent with the Criminal Procedure Code and Indian Penal Code.