Telangana HC Refuses to Stay GHMC Beef Ban

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court declined to set aside or issue interim orders staying the directive of the GHMC mandating the closure of all cattle slaughterhouses and retail beef outlets on August 15 and 16, in view of Independence Day and Janmashtami, respectively.

The court questioned the petitioner on how the directive could amount to a violation of fundamental rights. Observing that the GHMC’s order applied for only two days, the court asked how the petitioner was affected, given that he was neither the owner of a slaughterhouse nor engaged in running a beef outlet.

Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy was hearing a petition filed by law student Vadla Srikanth challenging the GHMC’s order. The petitioner argued that the directive infringed upon the fundamental rights to equality, to life and personal liberty, and the constitutional guarantee of freedom to practise any profession, occupation, trade, or business.

Counsel for the petitioner, Vijay Gopal, contended that the restriction was arbitrary, discriminatory, and unconstitutional, particularly as it targeted only beef.

The judge questioned why the petitioner could not simply buy beef in advance and store it in a refrigerator if it was part of his dietary practice. Explaining the responsibilities of the administration in maintaining public order, the judge observed that the GHMC commissioner might have taken the decision to preserve communal harmony during sensitive national and religious occasions.

The court further noted that the GHMC’s directive did not amount to a blanket ban on meat consumption or sales, and that temporary restrictions imposed in the interest of public order do not constitute a violation of fundamental rights.

However, the court issued notices to the GHMC to file a counter-affidavit and adjourned the matter to August 28.