PANJIM: The Bombay High Court in Goa on Tuesday directed the State as well as the Union government to reply in two weeks time to a writ petition filed by the Quraishi Meat Traders Association (QMTA) over an amendment to the ‘Prevention of cruelty to Animals Act’. Court had issued notice to the union and state government last month after this petition was filed. The matter had come up for hearing on Tuesday before the division bench of Bombay High Court.
QMTA in its writ stated that rules notified on May 23, 2017, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulations of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 are in direct conflict and in violation of the Constitution of India which guarantees freedom to practice trade of meat including beef.
QMTA has submitted to the court that, as per the Constitution, markets and fairs are a state subject and therefore the notification controlling animal markets is in violation of the Constitution. It is further stated that the livelihood of those dependent on the beef trade will be directly affected with the implementation of the rules.
Pointing out that the Eid-ul-Adha is one of the most important religious celebrations in Islam, the petitioners have pleaded the notification infringes upon the freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.
While, in its writ petition, QMTA has pleaded with the High Court to quash the notification, the Association has also pleaded for interim relief by ordering a stay on the implementation of the notification until final disposal of the petition.
Manna Bepari, President of QMTA is hoping for justice and has said that the association will abide by the ruling of court.
