Madras High Court stays Centre’s ban on cow slaughter for four weeks

Source – Moneycontrol News

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday put a four-week stay on the Centre’s notification on cattle sale in animal markets. The interim order was passed in response to a public interest litigation (PIL)..

The PIL said that choice of food is an individual’s choice and no one has the right to dictate it.

The High Court has asked the Centre and the state government to reply within a month’s time over the issue.

Last week, the Environment Ministry banned the sale of cattle for the purpose of slaughter at animal markets. The amendment is applicable to all states except Jammu and Kashmir.

Under the definition of cattle, the ministry has included cows, bulls, buffaloes, steers, heifers, calves, and camels.

Many states including Kerala and West Bengal have opposed the idea and said that they will not follow the arbitrary order. Various bodies said that the decision will just increase the terrorism by cow vigilantes.

As the debate erupted amongst states, the ministry clarified that the ban is to prevent unregulated animal trade and protect cattle.

While there are some opposing the idea, there are others supporting it. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded a law to completely ban cow slaughter and also life imprisonment for such acts.

The decision will hit the meat and livestock market and eventually, the farmers too.