The Delhi Minorities Commission has issued a showcause notice to mayors and commissioners of three municipal corporations in the city asking on what basis had they decided to ban or shut meat shops during Navratri.

The commission has sought a detailed report within 24 hours and asked the mayors to appear before it on Friday.

The South and East Delhi mayors had on Tuesday asked meat shops in their jurisdictions to remain shut during Navratri, saying “most people do not consume non-vegetarian food” for these nine days. Mayors don’t have the power to issue such orders.

“News reports about the subject have observed that the mayor is acting as a law unto himself. What he is calling for violates the basic free guaranteed in the Constitution,” minority commission chairman Zakir Khan said in the showcause notice.

“Such proclamation can also insight and encourage hoggish behaviour on the ground. Senior authorities and the courts should step in and put a stop to such behaviour.”

Two injured in army firing

Srinagar: Army firing on worshippers at a mosque in Handwara following an altercation over soldiers filming the congregation left two persons injured on Thursday.

Worshippers gathered at Jamia Mosque for afternoon prayers had resented soldiers’ move to film them, following which Abdul Ahad Mir and Mujeeb Ahmad Sofi were injured in firing.

The army said the namaz was being filmed to “showcase happiness” and that the two were injured in accidental weapon discharge.

Muzaffar Raina