Maharashtra Government Overturns Ban On Livestock Markets From June 3 To 8 Before Bakri Eid 2025

Mumbai: In anticipation of Bakri Eid on June 7, the Maharashtra government has overturned a controversial directive from the state cattle welfare commission to close all livestock markets from June 3 to June 8. The Maharashtra government has lifted the prohibition on livestock markets in anticipation of Bakri Eid.

The government has approved a plan to upgrade Mumbai's Deonar abattoir, which has been in operation for 54 years, as stated by Muslim community leaders who participated in a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday. This gathering, attended by government representatives, was held to assess the arrangements for the Muslim festival, which entails the ritual slaughter of goats to commemorate the essence of sacrifice.

The progress occurred after the Maharashtra Goseva Ayog, part of the state department of animal husbandry, had released an order last week instructing all Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to shut down livestock markets from June 3 to June 8.

In Monday's meeting, Fadnavis notified Muslim MLAs that the order had been retracted, according to Hindustan Times. Attendees reported that Fadnavis guaranteed them that his government is dedicated to upholding law and order during Bakri Eid and that customary practices would continue without hindrance.

The MLAs also requested an increase in abattoirs in Mumbai and more efficient procedures for acquiring no-objection certificates (NOC) from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for goat slaughter in residential societies. Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh stated that the state government addressed the concerns raised favourably.

"We asked for additional abattoirs in Mumbai since the Deonar facility alone can't satisfy the Eid demand." He stated, "We also talked about the problem of NOCs for goat slaughter in housing societies issued by BMC." Shaikh mentioned that he requested the Chief Minister to implement stringent measures against specific groups that hinder the transportation of non-bovine animals, attack drivers, and partake in illegal actions under the pretense of cow protection.