Maharashtra: Livestock markets face a ban ahead of Eid al-Adha
Maharashtra: Livestock markets face a ban ahead of Eid al-Adha
M.U.H
02/06/202547
With Eid al-Adha (Bakra Eid) around the corner, the Maharashtra Goseva Ayog has issued an advisory instructing all Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in the state to suspend livestock markets between 3 and 8 June.
The directive, aimed at preventing illegal slaughter of bovines in the run-up to the festival on 7 June, has sparked criticism from political parties and community representatives, who argue that it unfairly targets legal trade and threatens livelihoods.
In a circular dated 27 May, the Ayog — a state commission dedicated to the welfare of indigenous cows — cited provisions under the Maharashtra Animal Protection (Amendment) Act, 1995, which enforces a blanket ban on the slaughter of cows and their progeny. It directed that no “gura bazaars” (livestock markets) should operate during the specified period in order to prevent violations of the state’s animal preservation laws.
“Bakri Eid will be celebrated on 7 June. A large number of animals are sacrificed during this festival. As per the Maharashtra Animal Protection (Amendment) Act, a complete ban on the slaughter of cow progeny (go-vansh) has been implemented,” the circular stated. “Please stay vigilant in this matter.”
Maharashtra’s laws prohibit the slaughter of cows, bulls and bullocks regardless of age or condition; possession of their meat is also a criminal offence.
However, the move to shut down all livestock markets – affecting the sale of not just cattle, but also sheep, goats and buffaloes – has drawn flak from various quarters, particularly the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), which termed the directive “unconstitutional” and “anti-farmer”.
VBA state spokesperson Tayyab Zafar alleged that the commission had overstepped its jurisdiction. “The Goseva Ayog is an advisory body and has no authority to issue binding instructions. Issuing direct orders to APMCs is a misuse of power and undermines the constitutional framework,” he said.
Zafar argued that the decision disproportionately impacts small traders, farmers, transporters and butchers, including members of the Khatik-Qureshi community. “This circular not only halts the sale of cattle, but also goats and buffaloes — animals on which there is no legal restriction. This is a direct attack on the livelihoods of thousands,” he said.
He further contended that the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976, which regulates the purchase, sale and transport of cattle, is being enforced selectively. “Buyers and transporters are frequently penalised, but sellers are often spared, violating the principle of equal treatment under the law,” he noted.
The VBA has demanded that the circular be withdrawn immediately and the markets be allowed to operate as usual, with authorities taking action only against illegal bovine slaughter.
In response to the backlash, Shekhar Mundada, chairman of the Goseva Ayog, clarified that the advisory was not a blanket ban but a precautionary measure. “In the days preceding Eid, a significant number of animals are purchased for sacrifice. Our intention is solely to prevent any instances of cow slaughter. The closure of markets is temporary – for just one week – and is meant to be an advisory, not a directive,” he said.
Maharashtra has 305 principal and 603 sub-APMCs, regulated by the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board under the APMC Act. Of these, 292 markets also deal in livestock, with most falling under APMC oversight.
