BANGALORE: The newly-elected Congress government in Karnataka has decided not to allow a ban on cow slaughter in the state.
The Karnataka Prevention of cow slaughter and Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 2012 passed in the state legislature during the BJP rule would be reversed. “We will go back to the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Prevention Act, 1964. We will withdraw the bill amended last year,” chief minister Siddaramaiah said.
Congress had opposed the bill and even petitioned the governor against giving his ascent. By amending the 1964 act, the BJP had enlarged the definition of cattle, made punishment harsher and increased the age of animal to be slaughtered.
As opposition leader, Siddaramaiah had argued that it affected beef eaters and people involved in activities such as transportation of cattle, leather industry and meat packaging industry.
According to the new act, which is yet to get President’s ascent, slaughter of cow, calf of a cow and bull, bullock, buffalo male or female and calf of she-buffalo is prohibited. Only animals aged 15 years or above can be slaughtered, that too after obtaining a permission from the competent authority.
Whereas the 1964 Act, had its scope restricted to the slaughter of cows, calf or she-buffaloes, but allowed the slaughter of bulls, bullocks and buffaloes if they were over 12 years of age or if they were no longer fit for breeding or draught or did not give milk.
Responding to the CM’s announcement, former law minister S Suresh Kumar said: “We brought amendments to the 1964 act, because it was weak. Cows were continued to be slaughtered and transported. We wanted to stop that. Let them bring the issue in the legislature, we will debate.”
