KOCHI:The Kerala High Court on Wednesday said there was absolutely no ban on slaughtering cattle. The court observed the Centre’s new Rules only restricted the sale of cattle from animal markets for the purpose of slaughter.
“There is no ban on slaughtering and selling or eating beef,” the court said. The HC observed the Rules did not stop a person from selling cattle for slaughter outside animal markets.
“Can’t the sale and slaughter be done at home or on rooftops?” asked the HC Division Bench while dismissing as withdrawn a public interest petition filed by Youth Congress general secretary T G Sunil.
In his plea, Sunil said the Centre’s notification was against the basic structure of the Constitution and intruded into the life and personal liberty of an individual.
The petitioner submitted the Rule was an infringement on the right to food of a person but the court rebuffed the argument asking how the restriction of cattle sale affected a person’s right to eat.
The Bench also made it clear that it could not intervene taking into consideration an indirect impact of the order.
“There will not be any tension if people read the Rules. Being a public figure, the petitioner should take the Rules to public,” the court observed.
The petitioner said the preservation, protection and improvement of stock, prevention of animal diseases and veterinary training and practice came under the State list and only the state has the power to make any regulations on cattle. Meanwhile, the Advocate General, appearing on behalf of the state government, produced the Madras High Court’s order staying the Centre’s Rule. The Bench expressed surprise over the Madras HC’s order, issued on Tuesday.
Kerala to convene CMs meet
Determined to take on the Modi Government for imposing restrictions on the sale of cattle, the Kerala Government on Wednesday decided to convene a meeting of all Chief Ministers in the country. The Cabinet also decided to legally challenge the notification. A special Assembly session will be convened to finalise the course of action.