HC vacates stay on camel slaughter during Bakrid

Chennai, Dec 30 (UNI) Madras High Court today vacated a stay granted earlier on slaughtering of camels in Tamil Nadu during 'Bakrid' festival tomorrow.

A Division Bench, comprising Mr Justice P Jyothimani and Mr Justice K Chandru, vacated the interim stay on a petition filed by Advocates' Meelad Forum and others, praying for the same.

The Bench, had on Thursday, granted the interim injunction on a petition filed by 'Bharatiya Prani Mithra Sangh' and advocate G Rajendran, seeking to restrain the Tamil Nadu Government from permitting slaughtering of camels under the guise of 'qurbani' during Bakrid.

''We are doubtful whether the slaughtering of any animal was prohibited, if it formed part of any religious practice in view of Sec 28 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,'' the court's order said.

''The decision of the Supreme Court relied upon dealt-with cases relating to prohibition of cow slaughter.

In these circumstances, we do not think that any prima facie case was made out and therefore we have no hesitation to vacate the interim injunction.'' ''However, it is for the health officer, local health authorities and Chennai Corporation Commissioner to see to it that Sec 296 and 298 of the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act are strictly enforced while allowing any camel slaughter in the city and take all precautionary step,s including location, site of slaughering and the health of camel brought into the city,'' the Bench added.

While posting further hearing to the first week of March, the Bench directed the State Government to file its counter within four weeks.

UNI XR-AKN JJ VD BS2011