Bombay HC Orders Urgent Decision on Slaughter Ban

The Bombay High Court has directed civic authorities in Maharashtra to promptly address a plea from a Jain public charitable trust requesting a temporary ban on animal slaughter and meat sales during the community’s religious observance, Paryushan Parv.

The court’s directive follows a petition filed by the Sheth Motishaw Lalbaug Jain Charities, which seeks intervention from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and civic bodies in Pune, Mira Bhayandar, and Nashik. The Jain trust’s plea highlights the period from August 31 to September 7 as crucial, citing the principle of ‘ahimsa’ (non-violence) central to Jainism. The trust argues that the presence of animal slaughter during Paryushan Parv is contrary to the tenets of Jain faith and would be detrimental to the community’s religious observance.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar noted that there appeared to be no obstacles to instructing the civic bodies to consider the trust’s representation. The court emphasised the need for urgency due to the imminent start of the festival on August 31. In response, the High Court has mandated that the authorities make a swift decision regarding the trust’s request to impose a temporary ban on slaughtering animals and selling meat during the specified period. The court’s order underscores the importance of respecting religious practices while balancing regulatory considerations.

The Jain community has expressed concerns about being exposed to animal slaughter during a period of heightened spiritual observance, which they believe undermines their religious values. The court’s decision is anticipated to impact how civic bodies address such requests in future religious contexts, reflecting a broader sensitivity towards diverse cultural and religious practices.