Bengaluru (Karnataka): The controversial Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, came into force on Tuesday after Governor Vajubhai Vala gave his assent to the state government's ordinance.
The law bans the slaughter of all types of cattle, except buffaloes older than 13 years. People convicted for violating the ban can face rigorous imprisonment of three to seven years and a steep fine. Slaughterhouses, however, will continue to operate and beef consumption is not prohibited.
The Act, whose preamble states that the aim is to provide for comprehensive legislation for the prevention of slaughter and preservation of cattle, had generated much political heat with the Congress and the Janata Dal (S) initially opposing it.
The Act replaces the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 1964, which now stands repealed.
Read: Yediyurappa celebrates passage of anti-cow slaughter bill, worships 'Gau Mata'
The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2020, was passed in the state Assembly during the winter session, but it was stalled in the legislative council. This forced the BS Yediyurappa cabinet to push the law through an ordinance, which received the governor’s nod after some reported hesitation.
The other elements in the Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill:
- Livestock transport only allowed for agriculture and animal husbandry purposes
- Trafficking of livestock within the state and interstate a punishable offence
- Permission must be obtained from the authority for interstate transporting of cattle for the purpose of agriculture and animal husbandry
- Transportation of cattle permitted for agricultural activities with a fixed fee
- Restriction to sell, buy, or make a purchase for the purpose of slaughtering livestock
- Only if the veterinarian confirms disease, will cattle be allowed for slaughter
- Establishment of special court for quick inquiry of cases
- Local police stations empowered to prevent cow slaughtering
Read: Anti-cow slaughter ordinance 'constitutionally valid', says Karnataka HC
