Petition presented to the Telangana High Court to counteract the shutdown of beef retailers and abattoirs in observance of Independence Day and Janmashtami
A petition challenging the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) order directing the closure of beef shops and slaughterhouses on August 15 and 16 has been filed in the Telangana High Court. The case was listed before Justice B Vijaysen Reddy and the matter has been listed for further hearing on August 13.
The petition, filed by law student Vadla Srikanth, argues that the legal, legitimate, and peaceful businesses of traders deserve protection. It contends that the GHMC Commissioner's decision is a colorable exercise of authority without any reason, and the invoked statutory powers (Section 533[b] of the GHMC Act) do not authorize the Commissioner to close shops, traders, or businesses without cause or reason. The petitioner demands to know why their businesses need to be shut.
The petitioner asserts that the decision to close cattle slaughterhouses and meat shops is arbitrary and without reasons, and it allegedly violates Articles 14 (right to equality) and 19(1)(g) (right to practice any profession) of the Constitution by singling out beef shops. The petitioner argues that this decision harms the livelihood of traders.
During the initial hearings, the High Court had earlier sought GHMC’s explanation and justification for the order to ascertain the basis for such directives. However, the court refused to stay or interfere with the GHMC order, noting it cannot interfere with the municipal order and that the petitioner was not a beef trader but a consumer. The court observed that legal challenges on such issues might be better framed as Public Interest Litigations (PILs), suggesting that broader public interest intervention is necessary.
Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy heard the matter and did not find grounds to grant a stay or interference based on the petitioner’s challenge at this stage. The case was adjourned to August 28, 2025, for further proceedings, after the initial hearings and the GHMC’s response were considered.
In summary, the Telangana High Court has not overturned the GHMC closure order but reserved further consideration, emphasizing the petitioner’s status and the need for broader public interest intervention, while the legal challenge on constitutional grounds remains pending for subsequent hearing. The petitioner contends that the decision to close businesses on August 15 and 16 is illegal and violates Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.
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