J&K Legislative Council Member Moves Bill Against State Beef Ban

Jammu and Kashmir Member of Legislative Council moves a private member’s bill to amend the Rabir Penal Code.

Bajrang Dal workers burn an effigy in J&K after the High Court banned beef. (Photo: PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir Opposition, National Conference (NC), Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Qaiser Jamsheed Lone submitted a private member’s bill on Monday seeking amendments to the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) to decriminalise slaughter of bovine animals.

On September 10, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court imposed an age old law that makes bovine slaughter a punishable offence under the RPC Section 298A.

Security forces in J&K after religious groups called for a strike following HC order. (Photo: PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim majority state and traditionally people have been sacrificing cattle on occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Therefore it becomes obligatory to make amendments in laws which risk peace and harmony of the state.
— Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, Member of Legislative Council, National Conference

Lone’s submission will be considered in the upcoming session of Legislative Council starting on October 3.

The bill seeks amendments to sections of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) – equivalent of the Indian Penal Code in Jammu and Kashmir – on the beef ban issue.

Lone stated that the state government should support it in the House to protect communal harmony in the state.

The order led to protests in Kashmir, with some politicians calling for amendment to the RPC that would decriminalise the slaughter of bovines.

An independent MLA from Langate, Kupwara disrcit, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, has submitted a similar bill in the Legislative Assembly.