Sale of meat banned within 150 meters of religious places in Delhi

The decision by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, considering the religious sentiments of the people

New Delhi – On 31st October, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) passed 54 proposals, including the ‘Meat Shop Licensing Policy.’ According to this new policy, there must be a minimum distance of 150 meters between any place of worship and a meat shop. The sale of meat near a mosque is permissible after obtaining a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Masjid (mosque) Committee or the Imam (the individual leading prayers in the mosque). However, there is a strict prohibition on selling pork within 150 meters of a mosque. The MCD stated that this decision was made with due consideration for the religious sentiments of the people.

The MCD announced that the new meat shop licensing policy would come into effect once the Department of Veterinary Services issues the official notification. Shopkeepers will be eligible for a licence only if they maintain a minimum distance of 150 meters from religious places. This policy introduces fresh guidelines for the granting and renewal of licences for small meat shops, processing units, as well as packaging and storage facilities. Accordingly, the fee for obtaining or renewing a meat sale licence is set at Rs 18,000 for shops and Rs 1,50,000 for processing units. The renewal fee and penalty will be subject to a 15% increase every 3 years following the initial issuance of the licence.

Meat traders oppose new licensing policy

Meat traders have voiced their opposition to the MCD’s new licensing policy. ‘Delhi Meat Merchants Association’ said that, “Previously illegal meat shops had to pay Rs 2,700 for renewal of licence. It has now been increased to Rs 7,000. Shopkeepers cannot afford to pay so much. If the MCD does not withdraw the licensing policy, we will move to Court against it”.

Editorial Perspective

When will the Union and State Governments make concrete efforts to ban cow slaughter and enforce such a ban strictly, taking into account the religious sentiments of Hindus ?