Chandigarh MC approves cow meat ban with ₹5 lakh fine, public feedback set

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has cleared a proposal that would ban the sale and storage of cow meat and impose a ₹5 lakh fine for violations.

The agenda was approved by the corporation’s House, and it will now be open for public feedback for 15 days before being brought back to the House for further discussion.

The move follows years of debate over cow protection in the region, with the state legislature having enacted strict rules on cow slaughter and related activities. Earlier this year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld the authority of municipal bodies to regulate the sale of beef products, reinforcing the legal basis for the corporation’s action.

If the final version of the proposal is adopted, anyone found selling, storing or transporting cow flesh or beef within municipal limits could face the steep penalty. The fine is intended to act as a deterrent and to align local practices with the broader legal framework.

The public feedback period is meant to give residents, traders and other stakeholders a chance to voice concerns or suggestions. The corporation has said it will consider the input before moving the matter to the House again for a final vote.

Historically, cow protection has been a contentious civic issue in the region, with periodic protests and political debates. The current proposal reflects a continuation of that discourse, and its progress will likely be watched closely by community groups and local businesses.

Officials have indicated that the timeline for implementation, if approved, will be communicated after the final deliberation. For now, the public is invited to submit comments through the designated channels outlined by the corporation.

The proposal’s journey from approval to final adoption will hinge on the feedback gathered and the House’s subsequent deliberations. As the city navigates the balance between cultural sensitivities and commercial interests, the outcome could shape future regulations on meat sales in Chandigarh.

Source: Hindustan Times