Maharashtra on banning spree, may ban mutton as well

Mumbai, April 7: If news reports are to be believed then there may be some bad news lurking in the corner for non-vegetarians in Maharashtra.

While meat lovers in the state are still coming to terms with the beef ban imposed, Maharashtra government may extend the beef ban to mutton as well.

The Bombay High Court asked the Maharashtra government why the ban was limited only to cows and bulls and why the ban didn't include animals like goat.

A division bench of justices VM Kanade and AR Joshi was hearing petitions challenging a provision under Section 5 (d) of the recently amended Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act which bans possession and consumption of meat of animals like cows and bulls.

Bombay High Court asked why the ban was limited only to cow and bulls

Advocate General Sunil Manohar said: "This is just the start. We may consider banning slaughter of toher animals too. As of now the state felt it was necessary to protect cow, bulls and bullocks."

The court also suggested that the government have a licence policy by which import of meat of cattle slaughtered outside the state can be permitted.

The ban imposed last month was criticised by many including politicians who said that the government was indulging in communal politics.

Some even said that the ban would give rise to illegal trade of selling beef.

(With PTI inputs)

OneIndia News