Team Herald
PANJIM: The Quraishi Meat Traders Association (QMTA) has sought interim relief from the High Court of Bombay at Goa on the Union Ministry of Environment’s notification ‘Regulation of Livestock Markets’.
In its writ petition filed before the Court, QMTA President Manna Bepari stated that the 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.
Raising objection to the prohibition of sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets, the petitioners have stated “Rule 22(e) stipulates, inter-alia, that the purchaser of the cattle (from animal market) shall (i) not sell the animal for purpose of slaughter; (ii) not sacrifice the animal for any religious purpose; (iii) not to sell the cattle to a person outside the State without the permission as per the State cattle protection or preservational laws.”
The petitioners have pleaded that the definition of an ‘animal market’ in the notification is very wide, ‘effectively amounting to a total restriction for selling and purchasing cattle for slaughter’.
They have further stated, “In the State of Goa, slaughter of bovine animals is permissible and as such the rules would in effect ban the slaughter of such bovine animals.”
They have pleaded 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 that 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.
