The Hindu 18.07.2009

Revision of slaughter house fee set aside

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has set aside a revision of slaughter house fee by the Hosur Municipality from Rs 5 to Rs.50 per sheep for 2009-2012.

Justice S.Rajeswaran passed the order on a petition by Al Falaq Quraishi Mutton Merchants Welfare Association, represented by its deputy secretary, A.Mohammed Afzal.

The association said that its members were meat merchants having small shops. The petitioner’s counsel, D.Raja, submitted that the revision was not only unilateral but against the Municipalities Act. The steep rise required revision.

In other municipalities, the revision was moderate and reasonable.

He prayed for a direction to the municipality to consider the revision in a manner known to the law and also on a par with other municipalities.

Mr.Justice Rajeswaran said under the circumstances he was of the view that the fee increase in respect of the petitioner’s association concerned was too excessive.

Moreover, the charges could not differ from one municipality to another to this extent.

He set aside the revision and directed the association to represent to the municipality within a fortnight for a reasonable revision on a par with other municipalities.

The representation should be considered and orders passed on merits and in accordance with the law after affording an opportunity to the petitioner, the court said.