Mumbai, Sep 14 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today stayed the ban on the sale of meat on September 17 during the Jain festival 'Paryushan' and declined to interfere with the ban on slaughter of animals on that day. While passing an order here, the division bench of high court, comprising Justice Anoop Mehta and Justice A A Sayed said though the state government circular banning meat sale on two days was issued in 2004, it was never implemented fully. During the hearing on petition filed by trader association, last week, the court observed that such a straight jacket ban on meat could not be done. "Ban is on slaughter and sale of the meat. What about other sources through which meat can be availed? What about packaged meat that is already available in the market?" The court had also asked if the Jain community had a problem, why a directive could not be issued against open slaughtering and display of meat in shops. The petitioners claimed that the decision is unconstitutional as it affects the livelihood of a section of people and favours a small percentage of population. They also contended that it goes against the secular fabric of the Constitution. Shiv Sena, which is ruling in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) alongwith BJP, had also opposed the ban of sale of meat. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) took to the streets to protest against it. A similar ban has also been clamped on neighbouring Mira-Bhayander and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporations, where BJP is in power. The ban imposed for the Jain fasting festival of Paryushan, had last week been reduced from four days to two days that is September 10 and 17 by Mumbai's Shiv Sena-dominated civic body. The Sena had opposed the ban, openly disagreeing with its ally BJP, which wanted the slaughter and sale of meat to be restricted for eight days, not just four. UNI ST NV SY NS1514