A political storm is brewing in Mumbai concerning the closure of slaughterhouses during the 9-day “Paryushan Parva,” a major religious festival for the Jain community. The Jain community advocates for the closure, citing religious obligations, compassion, and the non-violence principles of their faith, which prohibits the killing of animals during the festival. However, the Khatik community and various political parties are opposing the demand, framing it as an imposition on dietary choices.
The Mumbai High Court initially dismissed the Jain community’s request for a nine-day closure, instead mandating a two-day shutdown (August 24th and 27th). The Jain community has appealed against this decision, with the next hearing scheduled in two weeks. The court clarified that it could not issue an order in the absence of a legal provision supporting the demand.
The Jain community argues that the Jain population in Mumbai and Maharashtra exceeds that of Gujarat. They reference a Supreme Court ruling in a Gujarat case, which deemed a short-term closure reasonable, and advocate for the same in Mumbai. Several organizations, including the Seth Moti Shaw Lalbag Jain Trust and the Seth Bherulal Ji Kothari Trust, are supporting the cause.
The Jain community also points out the prevalence of vegetarianism in Mumbai and historical precedents, such as the six-month closure of slaughterhouses during Akbar’s reign. Conversely, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra government emphasize the city’s large non-vegetarian population. They highlight the Deonar slaughterhouse’s crucial role in supplying not just Mumbai but the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), arguing that a nine-day closure would significantly impact employment and supply chains.
The demand has triggered opposition from various quarters. The Khatik community, the Sakal Marathi Samaj, and meat traders’ associations view the demand as a religious imposition that would harm employment for thousands and inconvenience millions of consumers. Similarly, political parties like the Congress, MNS, UBT Shiv Sena, and AIMIM oppose the demand, asserting that dietary choices should not be dictated by the court or the government. The issue was previously raised on August 15th and faced similar opposition from political parties.
The BJP has maintained a cautious stance on the issue, as the Jain community traditionally supports the party. In contrast, opposition parties criticize the Jain community’s demand, considering it as an attempt to impose religious practices.
Approximately 2 million Jain people reside in Mumbai. The demand for slaughterhouse closures during Paryushan Parva has taken on a political dimension. Furthermore, the Jain community has over 4 million followers in areas around Mumbai, including Thane, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Kalyan, Dombivli, Bhiwandi, Vasai-Virar, and Mira-Bhayander.
The debate has escalated into a conflict between religion and employment, and between political interests and religious faith. The upcoming local elections in Mumbai and Maharashtra within the next 2-3 months have further intensified the political dynamics. The BJP is hesitant to alienate the Jain community, while opposition parties see an opportunity to court minority and majority voters. While the court has only granted a two-day closure, the debate has ignited a new battleground in Mumbai’s politics, where religious sentiments, employment concerns, and political strategies converge.
