K'taka: New govt to reverse move on cow slaughter ban

Bangalore, May 14: The new

government in

has decided to reverse the controversial Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation (Amendment) Bill 2012, which was passed in the state legislature during the previous

government.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who assumed office on Monday, said the state government will revert to the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Prevention Act, 1964, and withdraw the amended bill.

The Congress, which was in the Opposition then, had objected to the legislation and even urged the Governor not to give his assent to the bill moved by the saffron government. The latter, by amending the 1964 Act, had enlarged the definition of cattle, made punishment harsher and also increased the age of animals to be slaughtered.

As the then Opposition leader, Siddaramaiah said that it would adversely affect the diet of people who depend on beef and also those involved in jobs related to transportation of cattle, leather and meat-packaging industry.

According to the Act which is yet to get the presidential assent, slaughter of cow, calf of a cow and bull, bullock, buffalo (male or female) and calf of she-buffalo is not allowed. It also said that only women aged 15 years or above can be slaughtered and that too after receiving permission from the concerned authority.

The scope of the 1964 Act was confined to the slaughter of cows, calves or she-buffaloes but allowed that of the bulls, bullocks and buffaloes over 12 years of age for they are no longer fit for breeding or giving milk.

Former state law minister S Suresh Kumar said the 1964 Act was amended because it was weak. He said the previous government wanted to put an end to slaughtering and transportation of cows. He said the matter could be debated once the government raises the issue in the assembly.

OneIndia News