The Allahabad High Court has been approached with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Varanasi Municipal Corporation’s decision to close meat shops along the Kanwar Yatra route during the month of Sawan. The petition, filed by Mohammed Suhail, president of the National Democratic Party, on Wednesday, seeks an immediate hearing and the revocation of the order dated July 19, 2024.
The petition argues that the directive issued by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation infringes upon the fundamental freedom to conduct business, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects life and personal liberty. The closure of meat shops during the Kanwar Yatra, a centuries-old religious practice, is described in the petition as discriminatory and an assault on the livelihood of shop owners, many of whom are from the Muslim community
The petitioner contends that the municipal corporation’s decision was made without considering its impact on the shopkeepers whose livelihoods depend on their businesses. The PIL emphasizes that shutting down meat sales based on their nature violates not only the right to conduct business but also the rights to personal freedom and food choice. The abrupt closure of these shops is particularly distressing for those who rent their business premises and face sudden financial and operational turmoil.
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The challenge raises important questions about the balance between religious practices and civil rights, especially in a diverse society like India. The case also highlights potential biases in administrative decisions that could disproportionately affect certain communities.
