INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Bengaluru: The Karnataka cabinet on Monday decided to promulgate an ordinance to give effect to the contentious anti-cow slaughter bill that
is yet to be approved by the legislative council.Once it comes into effect, there will be a blanket prohibition of slaughter of cows in the
anti-cow slaughter law is not new
We have had it for decades
Previously, there was a ban on slaughter of cows until the age of 13
We have extended it with an intention that older cows should not be left out
Since the prohibition does not extend to buffaloes, there is no ban on beef consumption," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J C
Madhuswamy said.Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting here, he said the ordinance is likely to be sent to the Governor within a
milching do not become a burden on the farmer, he said.The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill-2020 bill
proposes a maximum of seven years' imprisonment and fine of Rs five lakh for the offenders.It seeks a total ban on slaughter of cows in the
state and provides for stringent punishment to those who indulge in smuggling, illegal transportation, atrocities on cows andslaughtering
session amid din and stiff opposition from the Congress has not yet been approved by the legislative council.The council was adjourned sine
die even before the bill was tabled there for passage.For a bill to become law, its passage in the legislative council, followed by assent
by the Governor, is necessary.Noting that objections the Centre had on the then BJP government's anti cow slaughter bill of 2010 has been
prohibition is for slaughtering of buffaloes until the age of 13, he said.In a statement released by his office, he said cow is the root of
Indias culture, faith and farmers livelihood.Expressing concern over the decline in the number of cows year after year, he called on
everyone to rise above politics to work towards the growth of the states cattle assets."Opposing the Bill just for the sake of politics and
day's delay would lead to slaughter of 662 cows, he said."If it continues at this pace, we arent far away from atime when cows will only be
read about in books.Stopping illegal transportation and slaughtering is our priority," he said.Despite resistance from the opposition, the
then BJP government led by B S Yediyurappa in 2010 had got the controversial Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill passed,
'cattle' and imposed a blanket ban on cattle slaughter, coupled with stringent penalty clauses for violation.However, the Siddaramaiah
headed Congress government that came to power in 2013 withdrew the bill that was before the President for his assent.After BJP came back to
power in the state, several party leaders have been making a pitch to re-enact the anti-cow slaughter law.Chauhan, along with officials, had
even travelled to Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat to study and gather information on implementation of the laws there, before bringing the 2020
the winter session, did not do so in the council, sensing that the numbers were not in its favour with opposition Congress and JD(S) against
it, and may refer it to the joint select committee.
