Supreme Court stays Madras HC order imposing blanket ban on cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government argued that the High Court's direction was against the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958.
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court on Monday paused a Madras High Court order that had directed the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered in the state on the eve of Bakrid or on any other day.
The Tamil Nadu government argued that the High Court's direction was against the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958.
Under the 1958 law, cattle can be slaughtered in certain cases, such as when the animal is over 10 years old or is no longer fit for breeding or agricultural work, provided the required certificate is obtained.
While hearing the case, the Supreme Court said the High Court's order required "correction" and immediately stayed its operation. The top court also issued a notice on the Tamil Nadu government's petition. The High Court's directions will remain suspended until further orders.
The case relates to a May 27 order by a division bench of the Madras High Court, which said animal slaughter could take place only in authorised slaughterhouses. The court also directed the state's Chief Secretary and senior police officials to ensure that no cow or calf was slaughtered on Bakrid or any other day.
The High Court had further asked the authorities to issue instructions across the state to enforce the order.
In its appeal, the Tamil Nadu government said the High Court's ruling was contradictory and went beyond the powers given under the 1958 Act. It argued that imposing a complete ban on cow slaughter was not supported by the existing law and exceeded the legal framework.