Bombay HC in an interlocutory order on Wednesday directed the BMC and the police authorities to ensure that there is no illegal animal slaughtering at the “Nathani Heights” situated at Mumbai Central, unless it is licensed or recognised by the BMC, for the occasion of Bakri Eid.
Special Hearing Before Special Bench:
This case came before the special bench consisting of Justice GS Kulkarni and Jitendra Jain for a special hearing at 7:00 pm on Wednesday.
Would Affect Their Religious Sentiments:
The Residents of Nathani Heights namely: Haresh Jain and Apeksha Shah filed a petition seeking to direct BMC to prohibit slaughter of animals in open society which would affect the religious sentiments of residents.
Prohibit the Slaughtering Of animals in Residential premises:
Advocates Subhash Jha and Dinesh Tiwari representing the petitioner’s side pleaded that directions should be issued to the BMC and Mumbai Police to take necessary action and prohibit the animal slaughtering from taking place in the residential premises on Thursday.
Interlocutory relief Sought:
They also filed an interlocutory application to stay the animal slaughtering in the society during the pendency of the suit.
Animals were brought to the residential Premises:
The petitioners stated that on June 27 (Tuesday) around 4:00 am came to know that animals were brought by a few people for slaughtering them on Thursday on the occasion of Bakri Eid.
Only Oral Assurance was Given:
The petitioners stated that when they approached the local police station in their jurisdiction they gave an oral assurance and no action was initiated from their side.
Writ of Mandamus:
A writ petition was filed by the residents as result of no action being initiated from the police authorities.
Respondent shall ensure no illegal slaughtering:
The bench on Wednesday stated that The BMC shall ensure that no illegal slaughtering of animals shall be allowed at Nathani Heights, unless the same is licensed or recognised by BMC
Appropriate Action Will be Taken:
The HC stated that if the BMC has not given license for slaughtering of animals at the said place then appropriate action shall be taken by the officers of BMC along with the police Personnel according to the law.
Nagpada Police Station to Provide Appropriate Assistance:
The HC bench directed the Nagpada Police station to give appropriate assistance to the officers of the municipal corporation in case of action being taken by the municipal officers.
Next Hearing:
The Bench posted the next hearing of this case on July 3rd 2024.
Application Seeking License for Animal slaughtering:
On the same day another application was filed by Hajrat Peer Malik Rehan Dargah Trust before a division bench led by Justice Gautam S Patel and Justice Neela K Gokhale .
Advocate Madhavi Ayyappan appeared on their behalf, seeking permission for animal slaughtering on the occasion of Bakri Eid which will be observed on Thursday, at the Vishalgad Fort.
The bench directed the Authorities to consider the applications seeking license for slaughtering of animals.
Bench said “Directing to consider and not permitting”:
The division bench stated that they are directing the authorities to consider their applications urgently and not directing the authorities to give the license and they are not granting the permission.
Last Minute Applications:
The Justice Patel-led Bench disposing the inter rim plea stated that “At the same time, we express our great displeasure that such applications are repeatedly made at the last minute. Bakri Eid has been on the calendar for the better part of the Year” it added.
