Maharashtra Goseva Aayog Calls For Ban On Livestock Markets Before Eid al-Adha On June 7; Sparks Controversy

Mumbai: With Eid al-Adha (Bakri Eid) approaching on June 7, the Maharashtra Goseva Aayog, the state commission for the welfare of indigenous cows, issued a directive to halt all livestock markets across the state from June 3 to June 8. The move, which aims to prevent illegal slaughter of cows and their progeny, has drawn sharp criticism from various communities, especially Muslim groups, who argue that the blanket ban is unjustified and economically harmful.

The Aayog’s circular, dated May 27, instructed all Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to suspend weekly animal markets during the specified period. The document cited the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, which prohibits the slaughter and possession of beef from cows, bulls, and bullocks, regardless of age or health. The Goseva Aayog argued the ban was necessary to prevent any potential violations in the lead-up to Eid, when animal slaughter traditionally increases due to the practice of Qurbani (sacrifice).

However, critics have accused the Aayog of overreach and insensitivity. Farooq Ahmad, State Vice President of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, led a protest in Nanded, questioning the rationale behind shutting down markets that also sell animals not prohibited under the law, such as goats, buffaloes, and sheep. “This order halts the livelihood of thousands, including farmers, brokers, transporters, porters, and butchers, especially from the Qureshi and Khatik communities,” he said as quoted by the Indian Express.

Ahmad further challenged the commission’s authority to issue directives, stating that the Goseva Aayog can only make recommendations and has no legal standing to enforce such a ban on market operations.

In response, Shekhar Mundada, Chairman of the Goseva Aayog, clarified that the circular was merely an advisory and not a binding order. “Our intention is to ensure cow slaughter does not occur under any guise during Eid. The temporary suspension of other animal trade is a precautionary measure and will last only a week,” he stated, according to the report.

Maharashtra has over 900 APMCs, including 292 livestock markets regulated by the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board under the APMC Act. These markets see heightened activity ahead of Eid, with small animals like goats and lambs in high demand for religious sacrifice. For many rural farmers, these markets are a vital source of income, particularly around the monsoon season when cattle are traded based on farming cycles.