Madras HC Stays Centre’s Slaughter Ban, Didi Defies Order in WB

The stay comes after a Madurai-based activist challenged the constitutional validity of the ban in a PIL.

Prohibition of cattle slaughter comes with a huge economic liability. (Photo: Abhilash Mallick/The Quint)

Madras High Court stayed the Central Government’s new ban on the sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter, for a month, on Tuesday. It directed the state and the centre to file replies within four weeks.

Indian states have their own laws on slaughter of cattle and beef consumption, but the Union Environment ministry’s rule which comes under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, is applicable on all states.

A PIL filed by Madurai-based activist and lawyer S Selvagomathy challenged the constitutional validity of Rules 22(b)(iii) and 22(e) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets), as cited by the Centre, arguing that the Centre has no authority to ban the sale of cattle.

Selvagomathy also argued that the ban offended the Right to Freedom of Religion and the protection of interests of minorities in the constitution.

Protests erupted across Tamil Nadu opposing the government’s ban. The opposition parties slammed the Tamil Nadu state government for not opposing the ban.

The Tamilar Desiya Munnani will hold an agitation in Trichy on 31 May to oppose the Centre’s ‘forceful imposition of Hindu ideology’.

The Kerala HC too heard a petition which claimed the Centre had infringed on State’s rights. Kerala Chief Minister Pinayari Vijayan has written to all other chief ministers to put forward a united stand against the centre. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed similar views.

She strictly told the officials in her administration that there was no need to follow the Centre's notification banning the sale of cattle for slaughter at animal markets till the state government issues a direction to that effect.

She, however, asked the police to take steps to stop cow smuggling in the border district of North 24-Parganas ‘at any cost’.

The holy month of Ramzan is on. Everybody has the right to observe religious festivals. Just like Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Christmas, Eid is also observed in our state. What one will eat, is his or her choice. No one has the right to dictate it. Do not follow that (Centre’s) order, the state has not issued any such order.

Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal