After The Beef Ban, The Maharashtra Govt Now Wants To Ban All Meat!

Maharashtra outlawing beef seems to have put India's conservative lawmakers on a hair trigger when it comes to bans. The following courtroom conversation happened after Maharashtra petitioners rallied together to challenge the ban, on the grounds that they shouldn't go to jail for possession and consumption of meat of cow, bull and bullock if it was slaughtered outside Maharashtra.

The response to these petitions is shocking - the Maharashtra advocate general is considering using the ban as a precedent to ban non-vegetarian food entirely!

"What about other animals like goat?"

Division bench of justices VM Kanade and AR Joshi

"This is just the beginning. We may consider banning slaughter of other animals too. As of now the state felt it was necessary to protect cows, bulls and bullocks."

Advocate General Sunil Manohar

"That may lead to migration from the state. Don't consider a ban on fishes though. Section 5(d) of the Act, which is under challenge, does not prohibit slaughter of cattle outside the state. Why should a person be prevented from consuming or possessing beef slaughtered outside? Indirectly you (government) are prohibiting slaughter of animals outside the state too."

Justice Kanade

"If the object of the Act was to preserve cattle in Maharashtra, then import of meat should be permitted."

Senior counsel Aspi Chinoy, appearing for one of the petitioners against the ban

"How can the state say that slaughter of cattle in Maharashtra alone amounts to cruelty. The Act prohibits import also."

Advocate General Sunil Manohar

The court has asked the Maharashtra government to respond to these petitioners with a formal affidavit by the 20th of April.