Mumbai is witnessing a heated debate over the Jain community’s demand to close all slaughterhouses during the nine-day Paryushan Parva. The Jain community, emphasizing their religious belief in non-violence, seeks the closure to prevent animal slaughter during this time. This request has encountered resistance from the Khatik community and several political factions, who view it as an infringement on their rights, especially those related to food and livelihoods.
The Mumbai High Court rejected the Jain community’s plea for a nine-day closure, instead ordering a two-day shutdown (August 24th and 27th). The Jain community has challenged the ruling, and a subsequent hearing is anticipated. The court stated that it could not mandate a nine-day closure due to the absence of relevant legal provisions.
The Jain community argues that the Jain population in Mumbai and Maharashtra is larger than in Gujarat. They point to a Supreme Court ruling in a Gujarat case where a short-term closure was deemed acceptable and advocate for similar consideration in Mumbai. The Seth Moti Shaw Lalbag Jain Trust and the Seth Bherulal Ji Kothari Trust are among the organizations supporting the Jain community’s cause.
The Jain community also highlights the prevalence of vegetarianism in Mumbai, citing historical examples such as the six-month slaughterhouse closures during Akbar’s era. However, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra government emphasize the large non-vegetarian population in the city and the crucial role of the Deonar slaughterhouse in supplying the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). They express concerns that a nine-day closure would disrupt both employment and supply chains.
The request has sparked opposition from the Khatik community, the Sakal Marathi Samaj, and meat industry organizations, who view it as a religious imposition that negatively impacts thousands of jobs and millions of consumers. Political parties, including the Congress, MNS, UBT Shiv Sena, and AIMIM, oppose the demand, asserting that dietary choices should not be dictated by courts or governments. They note that a similar demand made on August 15th also faced political resistance.
The BJP has adopted a neutral stance, likely due to the Jain community’s traditional support. However, opposition parties are criticizing the Jain community’s demand as an imposition of religious practices.
Approximately 2 million Jain people live in Mumbai. The demand for closure has acquired a political dimension. The Jain community’s followers total over 4 million in areas surrounding Mumbai, including Thane, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Kalyan, Dombivli, Bhiwandi, Vasai-Virar, and Mira-Bhayandar.
The dispute has evolved into a complex interplay of religious beliefs, employment concerns, and political strategies, especially with the upcoming local elections in Mumbai and Maharashtra. The BJP seeks to avoid alienating the Jain community, while opposition parties aim to attract votes from diverse demographics. The court’s decision for a two-day closure underscores the challenges of balancing religious sentiments, economic interests, and political strategies.