Declare Cow National Animal, Impose Life Imprisonment For Cow Slaughter, Says Rajasthan HC

At a time when there is a raging debate over cattle slaughter ban and consumption of beef, the Rajasthan High Court has added a new twist. The high court has recommended that cow should be declared as 'national animal'.

BCCL

It has also suggested that the three year imprisonment for cow slaughter in the state should be increased to life imprisonment.

BCCL

The court's observations came in a petition against the way a cow shelter near state capital Jaipur has been managed. Slaughter of “cow, calf, heifer, bull or bullock” is prohibited in the state, including possession and transport of their flesh. ??

AFP

The Rajasthan HC's order comes amid the protests in the various state across the country against the environment ministry's order restricting the sale of cattle for slaughter.

The Madras High Court had on Tuesday stayed the order for four weeks.

States like Kerala and West Bengal have also said they will challenge the order in the court.

AFP

Other states like Karnataka, Puducherry and Tripura have said that they will not implement the centre's order. In Tamil Nadu the opposition led by DMK is holding a mass protest against the Centre's order. Students in IIT Madras had also held a beef-fest to protest the government's decision.

AFP

It is not just the opposition, even BJP allies in Northeastern Meghalaya where beef is a staple food has expressed opposition to the move. With the state gearing up for assembly elections next year, the BJP had said that there was no move to ban beef and that the party will reduce the prices of red meat if it comes to power.