It is actually illegal to slaughter cows in India, no matter in which state you are. And this is not something new, there were actions taken against cow slaughtering after India became an independent nation. Let’s talk about going in-depth because it is super important.
What’s the Historical Context Of It All?
You see, in ancient India, cows were always an integral aspect of society, as they were cherished for their milk, dung, and use in agriculture, you know? And sure, the importance of cows in the rituals of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, religions that are devoted to non-violence has forever been a crucial aspect of Indian culture, and the same is the case with these animals. That was the case for a very long time in the Indian subcontinent, but that kinda became a point of discussion when Islamic rules came to India and they started to slaughter cattle in India, including cows. And this was against the Hindu beliefs and the Sanatan religion, so that’s what led to a whole lot of conflicts which are now going on for centuries. But right now, in all of India, it is actually illegal to slaughter cows in the country, and whoever does it, will have to bear serious legal consequences.
What Are The Specific Laws In Place Regarding Cow Slaughter In India?
First of all, just so you know, after gaining independence, India’s Constitution specified a ban on cow slaughter through Article 48. Though, it was not a very specific and strict law regarding this case. So what happened then? Well, as a result, it was left to the states to manage how cow slaughter was to be regulated, you know? And that’s how varying regional regulations came into being. So yes, as a result, the position of cow slaughter laws throughout the nation is generally different. For example, in Uttar Pradesh, there are tough prohibitive measures, while on the other hand, in Kerala, the slaughtering of cows is allowed but subject to certain conditions. Some other states have also joined this banning of cow slaughter in India, especially after 2021, and that is a good move forward, to be honest.
Case Study: Karnataka’s Anti-Cattle Slaughter Law
You see, in the year 2021, a new law was passed in Karnataka that made it illegal to kill Cows, bulls, and Oxen. Well, the thing is, there actually was a huge campaign going on in the South of the country to save cows from slaughtering and meat production, but up until 2021, there were no strict actions taken as the state government had the say in it. But that changed in 2021.
The new law bans the killing of Cows, bulls, and Oxen however, all Buffaloes that might be above the age of 13 cannot be killed. But yes, there are no specific rules regarding importing beef from other states of India, but for now, yes, in Karnataka, cow slaughtering is banned. And this strict step taken by the state was in the headlines for quite a while for all the good reasons.
