All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has sharply condemned the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) decision to impose a one-day ban on meat shops across the city on Independence Day 2025.
In a statement to the media, Owaisi described the move as “callous, arbitrary, and unconstitutional.” He argued that the ban goes against the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including the right to livelihood and freedom of choice in food consumption. According to him, such decisions should not be imposed in a democratic society that values individual liberty.
Owaisi questioned the rationale behind linking Independence Day celebrations with the closure of meat shops, suggesting that the decision reflects an attempt to impose selective cultural practices on a diverse population. “Independence Day is about celebrating the freedom and rights of every citizen, not restricting them,” he said.
The GHMC, on the other hand, has defended the ban, stating that it is part of a civic protocol observed on certain public holidays and national occasions. Officials noted that similar restrictions have been implemented in the past during festivals and commemorative days, arguing that the measure is temporary and in line with municipal regulations.
The ban has ignited a broader debate in Hyderabad over the role of municipal authorities in regulating commercial activity based on cultural or symbolic considerations. Civil society groups and legal experts are divided on the issue. While some believe that local bodies have the authority to enforce such measures in the public interest, others argue that it infringes on personal freedoms and economic rights, especially for small business owners who depend on daily earnings.
Owaisi also criticised what he described as the selective nature of such bans, pointing out that they disproportionately affect certain communities and types of businesses. He called on the GHMC to withdraw the order and instead focus on ensuring inclusive celebrations of Independence Day that respect all citizens equally.
Several traders and meat shop owners have expressed frustration over the ban, noting that Independence Day falls during a busy period for sales. They claim that the closure will result in significant financial losses, especially for those who operate on a day-to-day basis without long-term reserves.
Legal observers suggest that if challenged in court, the GHMC’s order could face scrutiny under constitutional provisions related to the right to trade and the principle of equality before the law. Previous cases in other states have seen mixed verdicts, depending on whether the courts deemed the bans reasonable and justified in the public interest.
As the debate continues, political parties in Hyderabad have begun to weigh in. While the ruling municipal authorities maintain that the ban is symbolic and temporary, opposition leaders like Owaisi have pledged to resist what they see as an erosion of constitutional freedoms. The controversy is expected to remain a flashpoint in the city’s political discourse in the lead-up to upcoming municipal and state elections.
