GHMC Commissioner faces contempt plea over Hyderabad meat shop closures

A contempt petition has been filed in the Telangana High Court against Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Commissioner RV Karnan. The petition, filed by law graduate Vadla Srikanth, alleges that the civic body defied a previous court direction by ordering the closure of all slaughterhouses and meat shops in Hyderabad on Gandhi Jayanti.

The GHMC issued an order on September 30 directing the closure of sheep, goat, and cattle slaughterhouses, as well as retail meat and beef shops, for October 2. The corporation stated the decision was made under Section 533(b) of the GHMC Act, 1955, following a Standing Committee resolution. Commissioner Karnan also requested assistance from the Hyderabad police to enforce the order.

The petitioner argues that the closure violates a February 23, 2026, High Court direction which required authorities to strictly follow the provisions of the GHMC Act when issuing such orders. The plea contends that the closure is not supported by regulations notified in the official gazette and infringes upon the fundamental rights of traders and citizens. Justice NV Shravan Kumar is scheduled to hear the matter on October 5.