In a significant development, owners of 10 meat shops located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi have been booked by the police for allegedly defying orders issued by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC). The actions were taken after the VMC had instructed the owners to shut down their establishments due to violations of various regulations, including sanitation and food safety standards.
This move follows a notice issued by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation to the owners of 26 meat shops operating within a 2-kilometre radius of the temple. The notice highlighted that these shops were violating established rules, causing public unrest, and posing health risks due to unsanitary conditions, such as the open sale of meat. These conditions were seen as potentially spreading infectious diseases.
Legal Actions and FIRs
As a result of the shop owners’ non-compliance, the Varanasi Police registered FIRs against the owners of 10 shops. The FIRs were filed under sections 223 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) and 325 (mischief by killing or maiming an animal) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a complaint from the municipal veterinary officer. The actions of the owners were seen as a direct violation of municipal orders intended to ensure public health and safety.
History of Dispute
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation had passed a resolution last year banning the sale of meat within a 2-kilometre radius of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Despite the resolution, little action had been taken until now, leading to the current situation where shop owners are being ordered to close their businesses.
In response, the meat shop owners have voiced their grievances, claiming they are being unfairly targeted, particularly in comparison to the ongoing operation of liquor shops within the same radius, despite a similar resolution banning such establishments. They argue that they have not been provided with alternative arrangements for their businesses and have been struggling with the non-renewal of their licenses since 2017-18.
Negotiations with Authorities
In light of these issues, a delegation of meat shop owners met with Varanasi Mayor Ashok Tiwari to seek assistance in finding viable alternatives. During the meeting, the Mayor asked the owners to identify potential new locations for their businesses, promising to allocate spaces accordingly to resolve the situation.
The delegation is scheduled to meet with the Mayor again next week to continue discussions on the matter. The Varanasi Municipal Corporation’s notices had warned the owners to close their shops immediately and inform the concerned department, with further legal actions threatened if they did not comply.
Looking Forward
The case continues to evolve as both the local authorities and the shop owners seek a resolution. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between preserving public health and the livelihood of local businesses. The next steps in this dispute will likely focus on finding a fair solution that accommodates the needs of both the community and the business owners.
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