SC upholds Guj govt notification banning slaughter

New Delhi, Feb 28 (UNI) In a major setback to butchers in Gujarat, the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of Gujarat governmnt notification, dated December 13, 1989, banning the slaughter and sale of meat of bulls, bullocks, calves and other animals in the state.

A bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and P Sathasivam dismissed the appeals of Abdul Sattar Yusuf Bhai Qureshi and others, who had challenged the order of Gujarat High Court vide which their writ petitions were dismissed.

The appellants had contended in the Supreme Court that it was beyond the powers of the state government and affected the fundamental rights of the appellants of carrying on their business of slaughter and selling of meat of bulls, bullocks, calves and other animals and also affected their right to life.

The impugned notification was issued under section 5 (1)(A) of the Gujarat Essential Commodities and Cattle (control) Act 1958.

The High Court had dismissed the writ petition on the ground that reasonable restriction was imposed for drastically reducing the trade of slaughter of bulls, bullocks and calves.

UNI AKS SC SY AS1629