The controversial anti-cattle slaughter law came into effect in Karnataka, with governor Vajubhai R Vala giving his assent to the bill which makes it illegal to slaughter all cattle, barring buffaloes aged over 13.This law is not new but was already attempted in 2010 by the current chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa when he was in power then amidst huge opposition. The ordinance proposes a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh and seeks complete ban on the slaughter of cows in the state.
Due to lack of majority in the Upper House, the ruling BJP was unable to move this Bill there and decided to bring an Ordinance. After promulgating the Ordinance on December 28/2020, the Bill was sent for the approval of the Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.
The Governor gave his approval to the ordinance on January 5/2021.
The new Act has expanded the definition of cattle to include “cow, calf of a cow, he or she buffalo, ox, bull and bullock”.
There is no blanket ban on beef consumption as the Act allows the slaughter of he-buffalo above 13 years of age. Besides this, beef slaughter houses will also continue to function.
Congress has attacked the BJP government over the new law with Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah demanding a nationwide ban on cow slaughter.
The former Chief Minister had earlier said he liked eating cattle meat, and asserted that he had the right to choose his food.
Karnataka government has passed these ordinances claiming it is constitutionally obliged to prevent cow slaughter. This is because Article 48 of the constitution is a directive principle and deals with animal husbandry, reads as follows:
“The State shall endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.”
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