Disputes emerge in Mumbai housing societies over goat sacrifice on Bakri Eid

India Today

12 hours ago

As Mumbai prepares to celebrate Eid-al-Adha on Saturday, several housing societies in the city are witnessing disputes over permissions to sacrifice goats.Eid al-Adha or Bakri Eid is celebrated by the Muslim community as the festival of sacrifice. On this day, people traditionally sacrifice animals such as goats, sheep, or camels, and distribute the meat among family, friends, and those in need.advertisementThe issues have arisen following the enforcement of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) guidelines and growing objections from residents and neighbouring societies.
On Thursday, the BMC's P South Ward office revoked the no-objection certificate (NOC) earlier granted to a housing society in Gokuldham, Goregaon East, after receiving objections from nearby buildings.The civic body cited the presence of another slaughtering location within a 1-kilometre radius as the reason for the cancellation.Ex-Corporator Priti Satam, who led a delegation to the BMC, said, 'In Satellite Society, Gokul Dham, permission was given for goat slaughter during Eid in open space. We met the ward officer and told him that you have given permission for slaughter in open space.'She added that the BMC acted according to its guidelines, which prohibit slaughter within 1 km of a religious structure or in an open space. 'We are thankful to BMC for respecting our religious sentiments. Festivals should be celebrated following guidelines,' Satam said.advertisementA similar dispute reached the Bombay High Court after BMC denied permission to Maitri Society in Damodar Park, Ghatkopar West. The residents, who have been conducting sacrifices at the same location for years, approached the court. On Friday, the vacation bench directed the society to reapply for permission and instructed the BMC to decide on the application the same day.Advocate Kaif Mujawar, representing Maitri Society residents, said, 'We informed the honourable court that we have been getting permissions at the same location for past many years. Designated place for slaughtering is small and cramped. There is a limitation on number of goats that can be slaughtered there. Court has asked the society to reapply for the permission. We have faith in judiciary. In other cases, as per the guidelines even if there is a mosque nearby, permission is denied. Permissions once given are being revoked under political pressure.'In another case, a senior citizen from Kurla (W) filed a complaint alleging illegal animal slaughter in residential premises in Kurla's Naupada, citing hygiene concerns.As per High Court directions, the BMC has issued guidelines specifying four categories of places where slaughtering is permitted upon obtaining an NOC — designated marketplaces, community spaces, privately owned premises, and housing societies.advertisementHowever, if a community slaughtering space, including a religious one, is within 1 km walking distance from a housing society, then the NOC cannot be granted.