The Centre is not considering any proposal to grant the cow national animal status or enforce a nationwide ban on cow slaughter, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has said, amid continuing demands from various groups for such measures.
In an interview with PTI, Meghwal said representations seeking national animal status for the cow and a countrywide prohibition on cow slaughter are regularly submitted to Members of Parliament and the government.
"Various organisations keep working on these issues and approach MPs as well. People submit applications and make representations saying such a measure should be taken," he said.
However, the minister clarified that no proposal on the matter is presently before the Union Cabinet.
“As of now, there is no such matter under the Cabinet’s consideration. If a proposal reaches a stage where government or Cabinet intervention is required, we will inform you,” Meghwal said.
"Different states take decisions on such matters based on their own circumstances and merits," he said, referring to the BJP-led West Bengal government's recent move to step up enforcement of cattle slaughter regulations under the state's 1950 law.
The minister acknowledged that demands for a complete ban on cow slaughter continue to be raised and are widely discussed, including on social media.
While Hindu groups have been demanding the prohibition of cow slaughter in the country, several Muslim organisations and clerics have also called for declaring the cow the national animal and imposing a nationwide ban on cow slaughter.
Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind chief Maulana Arshad Madani has been among those backing the demand, arguing that such a move could help reduce tensions surrounding the issue.
Former vice-president Hamid Ansari has also supported the proposal, saying that if granting the cow national animal status could help address recurring disputes linked to cow slaughter, it should be considered.
Ansari had also appealed to Muslims to avoid cow sacrifice, noting that Islam does not mandate the sacrifice of any particular animal.
Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, a senior executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, has also endorsed the demand, saying recognition of the cow as the national animal would reflect respect for the religious beliefs and cultural sentiments attached to it by many Hindus.
Similar appeals were made by many other Muslim leaders and clerics ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, bringing the issue back into public discussion in recent weeks.
(With inputs from PTI)
