MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the Maharashtra government to not take any coercive action against people found in possession of beef, even if an FIR is filed, for next three months until the petitions are disposed of by the court.
The court, however, clarified that it was not staying Section 5 D that restricts people from bringing beef from outside the state and consuming it. This provision was challenged by a bunch of petitions.
“We are of the view that the state not having granted reasonable time for disposing of beef products is admittedly unwarranted,” the HC said.
“No FIRs will be registered against possession of beef. At most, if any illegal slaughter is made then FIR shall be registered,” said Justices V M Kanade and M S Sonak.
During the course of arguments, the court had heard that the police could enter restaurants and harass citizens, as it will be difficult to distinguish if it was the meat of buffalo or a bull or bullock being eaten.
The Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995 prohibits sale or possession of beef and those found in posession can be jailed for five years and fined Rs 10,000.
The court also allowed the applications of interveners who had opposed the petitions challenging the ban of procurement from outside.
The ban on cow slaughter was enforced two decades ago, however, there was no restriction on slaughter and consumption of cow progeny until now, the petitioners had said.
