NEW DELHI: The Supreme court on Thursday refused to interfere in Bombay HC order lifting ban on sale of meat during Jain festival season Paryushan.

A bench of justices TS Thakur and Kurian Joseph objected to the manner in which the ban was being enforced saying that it can't be forced down people's throats.

The bench said that the authority should be tolerant towards people opposing the ban.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by a religious body challenging HC order on lifting the ban.

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The petitioner contended that non-violence is the cherished dream of our constitution and it also includes towards treatment to animals.

It contended that animals should also be treated with compassion and most of the countries believe in such philosophy.

The bench then remarked "Why compassion only during festival and why not all the time".

The bench agreed that compassion towards animals is growing across the world but any ban on sale can't be forced on people.

"It is happening throughout the country and world. Spirit of tolerance is very important and it has to be inculcated in society through reform and in a subtle way" the bench said

"Compassion should not be there only during festival. It has to be shown throughout the year", the SC bench said.

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