The Supreme Court will today hear a plea challenging the Centre's notification prohibiting sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter. <br/><br/>The apex court had, on the 7th of this month, listed the matter for today after a petition was filed by a Hyderabad-based lawyer who termed the order as discriminatory and unconstitutional. <br/>The petition said, the notification prevented cattle traders from earning their livelihood. <br/><br/>It said, slaughtering of animals for food and sacrifice was part of the cultural identity of certain communities and was protected by law.<br/><br/>The government had, last month, banned the sale of cattle for slaughter and restricted cattle trade to farm owners.