The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has ordered a complete shutdown of all slaughterhouses and meat shops on August 15, 2025, citing the dual observance of Independence Day and Krishna Janmashtami. Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Bhagat said the move applies to all meat-selling and processing units within city limits, warning of strict action by municipal flying squads against violators.
Similar directives have been issued by the Malegaon and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) municipal corporations. Malegaon’s order, as reported by ABP Majha, mandates the closure of private slaughterhouses, mutton shops, and chicken sellers on August 15, August 20 (Jain Paryushan Parva), and August 27 (Jain Samvatsari). Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has announced an August 15 ban as well. Authorities say the closures aim to maintain “religious harmony, public peace, and community sensitivity” and align with Central and State Government advisories.
The bans have triggered political and community backlash, especially in Kalyan, where the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has ordered a similar closure for August 15. Local meat vendors, particularly from the Hindu Khatik community, say the move threatens their livelihoods. Rupesh Manohar Gone, a mutton shop owner, argued, “KDMC cannot dictate what we eat — it’s a personal choice.”
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar voiced his disagreement, saying, “I can understand a ban for a few days when it is a question of faith… but a ban on national days will be difficult.” Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray and NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad, condemned the KDMC order, calling it an infringement on personal freedom and a targeted action against certain communities. Awhad has vowed to publicly eat mutton in Dombivli on August 15 in protest.
While KDMC officials say the practice follows a 1989 state directive implemented annually, they insist it is “not a ban on eating meat” but a closure of slaughter and sale operations for the day. The Hindu Khatik community has threatened a symbolic protest by setting up a meat stall outside the KDMC office if the order is not withdrawn.
