India: Supreme Court disagrees with ban on cattle sale for slaughter

By APD Writer Rishika Chauhan

NEW DELHI, July 12 (APD) - The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday put on hold the central government’s notification that banned sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter.

Previously several Indian provinces had refused to implement the government’s notification and the issue had reached the top court of the country.

The court announced that the Ministry of Environment and Forest would revise the notification on cow slaughter ban by August-end.

The central government, led by Prime Minister Modi had banned sale of cattle for slaughter on May 25.

They wanted to restrict cattle trade to farm owners. However, the decision adversely affected the poor farmers and the meat industry of the country.

Additional Solicitor General, P Narasimha said, “Certain aspects of the rules are troubling some stakeholders. The secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest, is looking into it and a new regime that will serve the interest of all will be in place after detailed deliberations.”

However, the court stressed that the petitioners could again ask the court to intervene if they found the new rules against their well-being.

Censuring the government, the opposition parties have been arguing that the government is attempting to impose a beef ban in the country to forward the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s

‘Hindutva’ agenda.

The ban is particularly affecting the Muslim population of the country, as many members from the community are engaged in meat and leather trade.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)