Karnataka’s cow protection bill
Amid uproarious scenes with Opposition members tearing copies of the Bill and protesting in the Well of the House, The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2020, was passed by voice vote in the Legislative Council.
Key-Features of in Karnataka’s cow protection bill
- Demanding a total ban on cow slaughter in the state, the BJP cow protection cell in the state had written to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa seeking the reintroduction of the 2010 Bill.
- While ‘beef’ is defined as the flesh of cattle in any form, the word ‘cattle’ is defined as “cow, calf of a cow and bull, bullock, and he or she buffalo below the age of thirteen years”. The Bill also terms shelters established for the protection and preservation of cattle registered with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries as ‘gau shalas’.
- Police officers ranked sub-inspector and above or a competent authority will have the power to search premises and seize cattle and materials used or intended to use to commit the offence. Such seizures, if any, will then be reported before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate without unreasonable delay.
- Terming cow slaughter as a cognizable offence, violators can attract three to seven years of imprisonment. While a penalty between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh can be levied for the first offence, second and subsequent offences can attract penalties ranging between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.
Issues involved in Karnataka’s cow protection bill
- The Speaker did not give the opposition adequate time to voice their opinion.
- The relationship between the farmer and the butcher is threatened as witnessed in similar stares like Uttar Pradesh.
- The proposed law stipulates a prison term of three to five years and fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh for purchasing or disposing of cattle for slaughter and gives the police sweeping powers to search premises and vehicles.
- The cow becomes virtually uneconomical for the farmer after eight years when its milk output falls. Also, such animals along with male cattle not required for draught and breeding purposes.
- As observed by Allahabad High Court, The Act is being used against innocent persons.
