Decision to have ‘some bearing’ on beef matters: SC
The Supreme Court said on Friday its verdict declaring right to privacy a fundamental right would have “some bearing” on matters related to possession of beef in Maharashtra.
The apex court said this while hearing appeals, filed against the Bombay High Court’sMay 6, 2016, verdict, decriminalising the possession of beef in case of animals slaughtered outside the state.
The Bench, comprising, Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, was informed by an advocate that Thursday’s judgment from a nine-judge Constitution Bench, declaring right to privacy a fundamental right, was important for adjudication of the appeal.
"Yes, that judgment will have some bearing on these matters," the Bench said.
The Supreme Court said on Friday "nobody would like to be told what to eat or how to dress." Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for some of the petitioners, referred to the privacy judgment and said the right to eat food of one's choice is now protected under privacy.
She also told the Bench that Maharashtra government's appeal challenging the high court verdict was already pending before another Bench of the apex court. The Bench, after hearing the submissions, posted the matter after two weeks.
The Maharashtra government had moved to the apex court, challenging the high court's verdict on August 10.