Hyderabad, Aug. 14 -- The Telangana high court will on Thursday hear a petition challenging the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation's (GHMC) order for closure of beef shops and slaughterhouses on August 15 and 16 on the occasion of Independence Day and Janmashtami, people familiar with the matter said. A high court bench headed by Justice B Vijay Sen Reddy, acting on a petition filed by a law student Vadla Srikanth, directed the GHMC authorities to submit its counter explaining the rationale behind the banning of sale of beef on August 15 and 16. On August 4, GHMC commissioner RV Karnan issued a notice under Section 533(b) of the GHMC Act, stating that all the cattle slaughter houses of the GHMC and the retail beef shops within the limits of GHMC shall remain closed on August 15 and 16. HT has seen the notice. Karnan asked the police commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda falling under GHMC limits to instruct the officers concerned to cooperate with the municipal staff in carrying out the orders. The petitioner challenged the order and raised questions over statutory backing of the order. "The said provision does not grant the commissioner the authority to shut down lawful businesses without valid reasons. The closure of beef shops and slaughterhouses in Hyderabad affects the livelihoods of traders," an advocate quoted the petitioner as saying, on condition of anonymity. The petitioner also argued that the order was arbitrary and violated constitutional rights including Article 14 (right to equality) and Article 19(1)(g) (right to practice any profession). "The case has been listed for further hearing and orders on August 14," the advocate said....