Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on the Bombay HC order today which allowed the consumption and storage of beef from outside the state, but stayed the ban on beef and cattle slaughter.

Fadnavis said, "We've always taken a stand that this act (Maha Animal Preservation Amendment Act) is constitutional act, is mostly vindicated by the High Court. 1 of 2 provisions have been struck down by the HC pertains to interstate transportation. On this issue, we'll consult our lawyers, if need be we'll approach SC."


So before you clink your beef kabab skewers, remember this may be a short-lived victory -- the government is likely to approach the Supreme Court and the court could overturn today's HC ruling.


The Bombay high court on Friday upheld the state governments ban on slaughter of cows and bullocks in Maharashtra, but struck down a statute that sought to criminalise possession of beef, saying possession would not attract charges if brought from outside the state.


In February last year, the Maharashtra government enforced a beef ban after President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act.