GHMC orders closure of slaughterhouses, beef shops on I-Day, Janmashtami; HC asked to intervene

Hyderabad: A law student has moved the Telangana High Court challenging the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) letter to shut all cattle slaughterhouses and retail beef shops on Independence Day and Janmashtami (August 15 and 16).

‘Food restrictions are violation of Constitution’

The writ petition was filed by law student Vadla Srikanth, represented by advocate Vijay Gopal, challenging the legality of the GHMC Commissioner’s directive.

In his petition, Srikanth also argued that imposing food restrictions on the citizens is arbitrary, illegal, and in violation of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. It is also related to fundamental rights, specifically the right to equality and the freedom to practice any profession or occupation, trade or business.

Justice B Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court heard the arguments and has given GHMC two days to explain under what lawful authority and for what reason the ban was imposed and posted the matter for hearing on August 13.

“Without giving any reasons in the letter as to why the shops need to be shut, the GHMC commissioner is abusing his office and misusing the laws meant for something else,” the petitioner said.

Petition details

The petitioner further argued that the GHMC's letter violates Section 533 (b) of the GHMC Act, 1955. "The civic body has traditionally enforced the restriction only on August 15 for Independence Day, but this year extended it to August 16, which coincides with Krishna Janmashtami," he said.

GHMC’s ‘unilateral’ ban order

In a letter dated August 4, 2025 (Lr. No. 302/VET/GHMC/2025), GHMC Commissioner ordered the closure of all cattle slaughterhouses and retail beef shops under Section 533(b) of the GHMC Act, 1955.

The letter, addressed to the Commissioners of Police in Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda, cited Independence Day and Janmashtami as the reasons.

It directed the police to cooperate with municipal staff in enforcing the closure and instructed all veterinary officers and zonal commissioners to ensure strict compliance.

Petitioner slams GHMC order as illegal, demands clear reasons

The petitioner argued that the order issued under Section 533(b) of the GHMC Act was without proper cause, lacked legal authority, and did not provide any reasons, amounting to a misuse of power.

They contended that the provision cited does not empower the Commissioner to shut down lawful businesses arbitrarily, without clear justification.

Furthermore, the petitioner emphasized that such actions severely impact the livelihoods of traders engaged in legitimate and peaceful business, and asserted that they are entitled to a transparent explanation for the directive to suspend their operations on those specific days

“We are opposing the ban imposed on slaughterhouses on August 16, as the GHMC Commissioner unilaterally imposed the ban without following the proper legal procedure?” Srikanth told NewsMeter.

“GHMC is unable to manage roads. Even a kilometre stretch in Hyderabad is not pothole-free. The city gets flooded even if it rains for five minutes, and the GHMC Commissioner is interested in who eats what on Independence Day? The order is arbitrary and without any reason. Such orders are illegal and unconstitutional,” said Telangana High Court lawyer and counsel of the petitioner, Vijay Gopal

What is Section 553(b) of the GHMC Act, 1955?

Section 533 (b) of the GHMC Act, 1955 outlines the power of the Commissioner to order the removal of a person from a place to a hospital or other place for treatment if they are suffering from an infectious disease and are in a condition that poses a public health risk.