Two petitions in Bombay HC challenge ban on possession of beef

Two more petitions have been filed in the Bombay high court, challenging the prohibition of possession of beef that attracts fine and punishment.

Two more petitions have been filed in the Bombay high court, challenging the prohibition of possession of beef that attracts fine and punishment.

One of the petitions was filed by senior advocate Haresh Jagtiani, which was mentioned in court on Wednesday.

The other petition was filed by advocate Vishal Sheth and law student Shaisa Sen.

Both petitions challenged provisions of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation ( Amendment) Act banning consumption and possession of the flesh of cows, bulls or bullocks slaughtered outside the state.

The petition filed by Jagtiani states the provision of the Act violates the fundamental rights of life, liberty and choice.

Advocate Jagtiani said, “If I am travelling abroad and see a box of frozen beef, I cannot pick it up because after I get out of the airport, I will not be able to go home. This hurts the cosmopolitan nature of the state.”

The possession of beef is a criminal offence which is nonbailable. The punishment can be imprisonment extending to one year, or fine which may extend to Rs 2,000.

The petition says the beef ban will affect owners of cattle, those who sell cattle, cattle dealers, butchers and beef sellers, the leather industry, transporters and consumers of beef.

A division bench of justice VM Kanade and justice AR Joshi will hear both the petitions together on April 6.