Pune: Jain Samaj And 28 Other Temple Trusts, Ganesh Mandals Oppose Privatisation Of Animal Slaughter House In Kondhwa; Issue Legal Notice To PMC

Pune, 24th July 2024: Jain Samaj Pune, and 28 other Temple trusts, Ganesh Mandals of Pune have opposed the proposed privatisation of the animal slaughterhouse at Kondhwa, Pune. They have raised concerns regarding its potential adverse impact on the environment, public health, social harmony and cultural ethos. A legal notice has been sent to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) by Advocate Satya Muley, representing these concerned groups.

The notice highlights a plethora of legal, environmental, and socio-economic concerns associated with the proposed move, urging the PMC to reconsider its decision.

Background and Concerns:
The notice, addressed to the Municipal Commissioner of PMC, outlines the grave concerns raised by the Jain Samaj, represented by Acharya Virag Sagar Ji Maharaj of Aagam Mandir Katraj, and several other trusts and community organizations in Kondhwa. These groups have been active in civic and social activities for decades, focusing on the betterment and welfare of the residents of Kondhwa and Pune at large.

According to the notice, the privatization of the Kondhwa slaughterhouse has sparked fears of potential adverse impacts on the environment, public health, social harmony, and cultural ethos. The notice emphasizes that government-operated slaughterhouses are subject to strict environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with hygiene and waste management standards. Privatization, on the other hand, could lead to a lack of oversight, resulting in environmental degradation and health risks due to improper sanitation practices.

Legal Framework and Ethical Considerations:
Advocate Muley’s notice draws attention to several legal frameworks that could be violated by the privatization. The Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, mandates that municipal corporations construct and manage abattoirs in alignment with public needs. The proposed privatization, focused on profit, could undermine this mandate by prioritizing commercial interests over community welfare.

Moreover, the notice references Prof. Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni’s letter dated August 18, 2024, which underscores the collective opposition of Ganesh Mandals in Kondhwa to the privatization. The letter argues that such a move would contravene cultural norms and legal frameworks, emphasizing that municipal abattoirs should serve local needs rather than become centers for mass production and exportation of meat.

Supreme Court Rulings and Constitutional Articles:
The notice cites several Supreme Court rulings to support its arguments. In the landmark case of Laxmi Narain Modi v. Union of India (2013), the Court highlighted the need for strict adherence to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) guidelines regarding various aspects of slaughterhouse operations. Government control was deemed essential for upholding standards of animal welfare, environmental protection, and public health.

Furthermore, the case of Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja & Ors. expanded the interpretation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution to include the right to life and well-being of animals. Privatization could lead to increased animal cruelty and exploitation due to profit motives, potentially violating the spirit of Article 21.

The notice also refers to Article 48, which emphasizes the state’s duty to organize animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and prohibits the slaughter of cows, calves, and other milch and draught cattle. Privatization could challenge these principles by prioritizing efficiency and profit over animal welfare.

Community Concerns and Social Harmony:
The notice highlights the significant community opposition to the privatization plan. Former Corporator Praveen Chorbele and other notable figures have urged the PMC to prioritize citizens’ welfare over profit-driven agendas. The potential exacerbation of religious sentiments and communal tensions is also a major concern. Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) could come into play if privatization leads to actions that promote enmity or disharmony between religious groups.

“The clandestine picking up of stray cattle from the Kondhwa neighborhood over the years and the emergence of Kondhwa as a hub for illegal slaughterhouses further underscore the community’s fears. Numerous police complaints have been lodged regarding the unlawful transportation of cattle to slaughterhouses in Kondhwa, adding to the apprehensions about privatization”, the notice states.

Supreme Court Directives and Environmental Concerns:
The Supreme Court’s directives in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (2002) and Sachidanand Pandey & Ors. v. The State of West Bengal & Ors. (1987) stress the importance of protecting the environment and maintaining ecological balance. Privatization could lead to environmental degradation due to lax enforcement of standards and increased pressure on wildlife habitats.

Fundamental Duties and Animal Rights:
The notice also invokes the Fundamental Duties enshrined in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment and to have compassion for living creatures. The Supreme Court’s interpretation in Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja & Ors. underscores the importance of compassion for animals, which could be compromised by privatization.

The organisations opposing the privatisation of the slaughterhouse include:

Jain Samaj
Shri Bahiroba Mandir and Mahadev Mandir Devsthaan Trust
Shri Pandurang Seva Bhajni Mandal Trust
Sankat Haran Mahadev Mandir
Shri Bhairavnath Talim Mandal
Navshakti Tarun Mandal
Vetaal Mitramandal
Shrimant Sainath Tarun Mandal
Sai Pratishthan Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal
Akhil Kondhwa Shri Pandurang Sevabhaavi Trust
Shri Siddhivinayak Mitra Mandal
Shri Sant Tukaram Bhajni Mandal
Shri Mauli Kripa Sampradayik Mandal Trus
Jay Bajrang Tarun Mitra Mandal
Chhatrapati Shivba Tarun Mitra Mandal
Jay Bhavani Mitra Mandal
Sanvedna Foundation
Shivgarjana Foundation
Mahatma Phule Tarun Mandal
Samrat Ashok Mitra Sangha
Hanuman Azaad Mandal Trust
Bholenaath Tarun Mandal Trust
Shivraj Tarun Mandal
Sainath Mitra Mandal Trust
Shri Ganesh Mitra Mandal Trust
Navnaath Pratisthan
Laxminagar Mitra Mandal
Dharamveer Shambhuraje Mitra Mandal Trust
Swaraj Mitra Mandal Trust