Bengaluru (Karnataka): Despite stiff opposition from the opposition parties, the state government has contemplating to implement stringent anti-cow slaughter bill. In this regard, animal husbandry minister has taken a tour of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat states to study a similar act implemented by both the states. On the lines of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh governments, the state government has decided to bring a similar bill in Karnataka. Here is a detailed report regarding the nature of anti-cow slaughter law.
Nature of the present act in the state
Karnataka Prevention of cow slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act-1964 is already in the force. However, this act has a lack of stringent rules, thus the BJP government has decided to bring a new bill on this regard. Under the existing act, the perpetrator can be booked for six-month imprisonments and rupees one thousand fine for the crime. Act also barred from the slaughtering of calves which has below 12-years age and permission is mandatory for transportation of cows which brought to slaughterhouses. Due to loopholes in the act perpetrators are easily escape the clutches from the law. Though anti-cow slaughter act is in the force, illegal cow slaughtering and its transportation have been rampant across the state. Considering lacuna in the existing act, the government has decided to bring new legislation.
Nature and scope of proposed Anti-cow slaughter act
In 2010, then BJP government has introduced Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill 2010 and Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation (Amendment) Bill 2012. Besides prevention of slaughtering, the government has incorporated Buffalo, Bullock and its calf in the bill and enhanced the imprisonment from six months to seven years and a fine of rupees one lack to the perpetrators. Bill also empowers the police for more powers and police permission was mandatory for transportation of the cows from one taluk to another. In 2010, Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa has placed the Bill in both the Houses of the State legislature and House has approved the same without any amendments. However, then the Governor, Hansraj Bharadwaj has refused to give assent to the bill. UPA government at the Centre also put the Bill on hold, Union Home Ministry has put some quarries to the bill and suggested for few amendments. Siddaramaiah headed Congress government has withdrawn the controversial bill on 2014 and restored Karnataka Prevention of cow slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act-1964.
Prevention of Slaughter act of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat
The state government would bring similar anti-cow slaughter bill which has effectively implemented by both Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh government. Anti cow slaughter act in Gujarat empowers maximum imprisonment of 14 years and a minimum sentence of 7 years to the perpetrators and imposing a maximum fine of Rupees one lakh to five lakhs for illegal slaughtering. Imprisonment of seven years to ten years and also fine of Rupees 50,000 to one lakh to the accused who illegally transporting the cattle for slaughtering. Police have the power to confiscate the vehicles used for transporting the cattle and non-bailable warrant can be issued to the accused under this act.
In Uttar Pradesh, 10 years imprisonment and a fine of rupees five lakhs will be imposed on the accused once they proved guilty. For first time crime, imprisonment of seven years and fine of rupees one lakh to three lakhs will be imposed and for second-time crime, both imprisonment and fine will be ten years and rupees five lakh respectively.
Proposed Anti-cow slaughter act in the State
The proposed act will be on the lines of both Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh will be included more stringent rules. Sources confirmed that the state government will incorporate the imprisonment clause from seven years to ten years and a non-bailable warrant will be issued for the offence. State also impose the fine of Rupees five lakhs in the bill. The proposed bill also includes that cattle must be preserved till its death and police permission is mandatory for transportation of the cattle from one place to another. The government will encourage construction of cowsheds, agricultural activities and animal husbandry to preserve the cattle. The new bill also empowers the government to constitute an authority to preserve the cattle.
Read: Man held on charge of cow slaughter in UP's Muzaffarnagar
