Observing that the Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) has taken no steps despite repeated orders with regard to curbing the illegal slaughtering of animals, the Bombay High Court has asked a senior officer of BNMC to remain present in the court on Tuesday.
A bench of Justices AK Menon and MS Karnik on Monday came down heavily on the counsel for BNMC as the corporation failed to come up with proper planning to prevent the illegal slaughtering of animals during the festivals.
Last year, the HC, in two different petitions, had directed the commissioner of BNMC and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to ensure that sacrificing animals does not take place in illegal temporary slaughterhouses on Eid-ul Adha or Bakri Eid which was to be celebrated between July 21 and 23 last year and same be carried out in licensed and recognised slaughterhouses only.
The HC had also asked the respective corporations to formulate an action plan for future requirements and ensure that no law and order situation takes place during the festivals.
“After one year we are at the same position...” remarked Justice Menon after being informed that the BNMC has no legal abattoir.
The HC was hearing a petition filed by NGO Jiv Maitri Trust alleging violation of earlier HC orders which restrained the slaughtering of sacrificial animals on the occasion of Bakri Eid in temporary slaughterhouses.
Anil Anturkar, counsel for the NGO, argued that they were not against the sacrifice, but wanted it to be done in a legal manner without there arising any law and order situation. “We are not against qurbani (sacrifice) at all. If qurbani has to be done, do it in accordance with the law,” argued Anturkar.
Anturkar said that the concerned authorities have to ensure the implementation of the laws - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Food Safety Act as it requires transportation of animals and meat and also Environmental Protection Act, by ensuring the waste is disposed of in a proper manner.
Advocate Bubna, counsel for BNMC, said that they have discontinued temporary abattoirs too following earlier HC orders. However, on a court query, he admitted that the corporation did not have any plan for sacrificial slaughtering.
To this Justice Menon quipped: “Order was passed last August. You should have been ready. Where is your (concerned) officer? How can the officers say nothing can be done now. Let the (concerned) officer be present,” said justice Menon while asking the concerned BNMC officer/s to remain present in the HC on Tuesday.
