Hyderabad: Asaduddin Owaisi, the Hyderabad MP and AIMIM President, has spoken out against the closure of slaughterhouses and meat shops on Independence Day, August 15. He believes this decision by municipal corporations is unconstitutional.
Owaisi criticized the order from various municipal bodies, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), which mandates the shutdown of these establishments on Independence Day. He questioned the reasoning behind associating a meat ban with the celebration of the nation’s freedom.
On social media, Owaisi expressed concern, noting, “Many municipal corporations in India have decided to close slaughterhouses and meat shops on 15th August. Sadly, the GHMC has also issued such an order. This is both callous and unconstitutional.” He further stated, “How is eating meat related to celebrating Independence Day? In Telangana, 99% of the population consumes meat. These bans infringe on people’s rights to liberty, privacy, livelihood, culture, nutrition, and religion.”
The GHMC has directed the closure of cattle slaughterhouses and retail beef shops on August 15 for Independence Day and on August 16 for Janmashtami. This order was issued under section 533 (b) of the GHMC Act, 1955, and communicated to the Police Commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda.
Owaisi urged civic authorities to reconsider such decisions, pointing out the negative impact on those whose livelihoods depend on the meat trade. He emphasized the importance of protecting personal freedoms and honoring cultural diversity in the nation.
