PIL challenges provision under new beef ban law

Mumbai, Apr 1: A PIL has been filed by a senior advocate challenging a provision in the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act banning consumption and possession of flesh of cows, bulls or bullocks slaughtered outside the state.

The PIL, filed by senior lawyer Harish Jagtiani, was mentioned before a division bench of justices V M Kanade and A R Joshi which posted it for hearing on April 6, when it will hear a similar petition filed by city resident Arif Kapadia. [3 booked under Maharashtra's new beef ban law]

Similar to Kapadia's petition, Jagtiani in his PIL has challenged section 5 (d) of the Act which prohibits possession and consumption of the meat of cow, bull and bullocks irrespective of where it is slaughtered.

According to the petition, the flesh of these animals, if slaughtered outside Maharashtra, should be allowed inside the state.

The petitions also challenged section 9 (A) of the Act which stipulates imprisonment of one year and fine up to Rs 2,000 for contravention of the provisions pertaining to the possession of beef.

PTI