GHMC Order on Beef Shops Triggers Row

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) order to shut beef shops and slaughterhouses on the Independence Day (August 15) and Krishna Janmashtami (August 16) evoked mixed response from people in the city.

While some felt that the beef shops should be closed on Krishna Janmashtami considering religious sentiments, they said the shops could be allowed to function on August 15.

While there are no restrictions on chicken, fish, etc., beef shops were ordered to be closed. So many people also wanted the government to specify why such orders were issued — due to law and order concerns or some other issue — so that the issue does not acquire communal colour.

For over two decades, the beef shops and slaughterhouses were mandated to be closed for seven days in a year.

The reason for banning beef on certain days, according to GHMC officials, is solely related to law and order issues. On Gandhi Jayanti and Gandhi Vardhanthi, the sale of goat meat is banned.

Speaking about law and order, a GHMC official said that there is a possibility of untoward incidents even if permitted cattle are transported for slaughter and sale. Hence the ban. However, there is no restriction on chicken, fish, among others.

According to GHMC records, there was also a ban on beef slaughterhouses during Bakrid, because of the ample availability of that meat and cattle during the festival.

Recently, a person residing within GHMC limits, citing livelihood concerns, approached the court seeking relaxation of the ban for this year, pointing out that, for the first time in 20 years, the ban was imposed for two consecutive days.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, taking to ‘X’, opined that closing slaughterhouses on August 15 is unconstitutional even as a law student from Hyderabad has challenged the GHMC order in a court.

A similar opinion was expressed by a corporate employee. “Banning meat sales on Independence Day is neither patriotic nor constitutional. Dietary choice is deeply tied to liberty, livelihood, culture, and personal freedom — values our independence stands for. In Telangana, where 99 per cent of people eat meat, such bans are not just impractical but disrespect the very essence of the day we celebrate,” said Deepanita Ghosh.

“Independence means the freedom to live, work, and eat without arbitrary restrictions,” she added.

However, Harish Daga, an activist from the city, supported the ban and called it a policy decision that should not be linked with religion.

“The ban has existed for decades and was introduced to maintain law and order. Decisions by policymakers should be respected, irrespective of personal choices or food preferences. This year, because the ban has been imposed for two consecutive days, the issue is being highlighted more,” he said, asserting his support for the measure.

Similarly, another resident of the city said she was fine with a ban on Krishna Janmashtami but did not agree with the ban on Independence Day.

A similar debate is underway in Maharashtra, where Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation has ordered all meat shops to be shut on August 15. The move invited fierce opposition from the Opposition parties and also the BJP’s ally NCP (Ajit Pawar).

Days of ban each year: 7

Holi: Beef

Gandhi Jayanti: Beef and other cattle

Gandhi Vardhanthi: Beef and other cattle

Mahavir Jayanti: Beef and other cattle

Independence Day: Beef

Krishna Janmashtami: Beef

Bakrid: Beef