Ban On Meat Near MDT: Punjab & Haryana HC Stays State Govt Order

The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently stayed the Haryana Government’s ban on sale and purchase of meat and meat products in area around Mata Mansa Devi Temple

A single bench of Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj stayed the order on a plea by meat sellers affected by the order.

The Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Haryana, Urban Local Bodies Department, declared the demarcated area near Mata Mansa Devi temple as “HOLY AREA” on December 20, 2022, and thus prohibited the slaughtering, sale, and purchase of meat and meat products.

The petitioners approached the Court contending that no public notice was given to them and that the order made no reference to any statutory provision under which such a declaration could be issued.

It was also argued that in the absence of any such substantive power, enforcing restraints on the petitioners’ ability to carry on their business/occupation is a violation of the rights granted to them.

It was also argued that the petitioners were duly licensed by the competent authority to deal in the sale and purchase of meat and meat products in the said area, and that they agreed to conduct business in accordance with the law.

The Court served notice on the State and requested a response, while staying the order until the next hearing date on August 7,2023.