The Supreme Court dismissed a public interest litigation seeking the enforcement of anti-cow slaughter laws and regulation of slaughterhouses nationwide. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta advised filing a contempt petition for any order violations. The PIL aimed to enforce laws following a 2005 Supreme Court judgment and take legal action against violators.
The plea, filed by advocate Barun Kumar Sinha, highlighted the lack of effective implementation of anti-cow slaughter laws across India. It urged the Centre, states, and union territories to enforce these laws as per the apex court’s directive. The petition emphasized the importance of upholding the judgment and ensuring compliance by authorities.
Referring to the constitutional and statutory framework for cow protection, the plea traced the history of anti-slaughter laws from the pre-Constitution era. It cited Article 48 of the Constitution, emphasizing the State’s duty to preserve cattle and prohibit their slaughter. The petition also mentioned key judicial rulings supporting a ban on cow progeny slaughter.
The petition drew on a 2019 government release on anti-cow slaughter legislation by states and a recent notice from the West Bengal government reiterating cattle slaughter restrictions. It aimed to secure adherence to the court’s judgment and proper implementation of anti-slaughter laws nationwide.
