The GHMC has already issued orders for the closure of cattle slaughterhouses and retail beef shops on 15 August and 16 August on account of Independence Day and Janmastami, respectively.

The Municipal Corporation issued the order under section 533 (b) of the GHMC Act, 1955.

The GHMC Commissioner sent the order to the police commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda.

The directives are part of GHMC’s periodic holiday-related restrictions, but this year they’ve attracted extra attention because of the political pushback — especially from Owaisi, who argues such bans are arbitrary, infringe on personal freedoms, and affect the livelihoods of those dependent on the meat trade.

All veterinary officers, assistant directors (veterinary), deputy directors (veterinary), Veterinary Section, GHMC, have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order. Also, all Zonal Commissioners and Additional Commissioners of GHMC, Managing Director, Telangana State Sheep and Goat Development Cooperative Federation and the director, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department have been issued the orders.

Similar orders have been issued by municipal authorities in Mumbai. Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra unit president and MLA Abu Azmi condemned the move to keep meat shops closed in Kalyan-Dombivli near Mumbai on Independence Day.

“I strongly condemn this law. August 15 is Independence Day, the day people gained freedom from slavery. On that very day, you want to introduce a law that takes away people’s freedom? What will people eat? If this is correct, then close all hotels too. Poor people who run small businesses will be forced to shut down,” he said.

With IANS inputs