Two writ petitions were filed in the Kerala High Court on Monday stating that the Centre’s notification on cattle slaughter is “contrary to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960” and it is unconstitutional as the Centre does not have the legislative competence to frame such rules.
Recently, Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan had written a letter to all CMs of the country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and requested them to support new introductory rules that would check cattle slaughter.
The petition, however, has justified as to how a combined reading of the definition of ‘animal markets’ and Rule 22 clearly shows how there is a complete restriction of purchasing and selling cattle for slaughter. It states that the “sweeping definition” –term used in the animal market will prevent traders from selling cattle even from the stable.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded why the rules were introduced just before Ramzan. “Who are they to decide who will eat what, and who will wear what?” she asked.
Gau Rakshaks (cow vigilants) have been empowered to taken charge in Uttar Pradesh after Yogi Adityanath assumed power. Since then, the cow vigilance feevr is on and strong acorss the country.
In Rajasthan too, Pehlu Khan case was a despictable act of inhumanity when self-acclaimed cow-vigilants murdered an inncoent cattle-trader on his way. The culprits have been inflicted with appropriate punishment.
If Rajasthan CM Raje is to be believed, incidents like cow vigilantism dent the image of the government, whether centre or state.
With strict implementation of laws and vigilant action by Rajasthan police as well as the government, we can effectively evade the threat of cow vigilantism.
