The cows are protected in Karnataka state. The Karnataka prevention of Cow slaughter and cattle preservation act. 1964 provides legal provisions for preventing cow slaughter. With demand for cattle protection increasing, there is a renewed debate for stricter version of cow protection laws. While the discussion for better laws should continue, there is a need to review the existing legal provisions and make an attempt to comply with them.
History of the bill
There were two laws in the Karnataka state to protect cows. In the Mysore region, the Mysore Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1948, was applicable. In the areas which were part of the Bombay area, the Bombay Animal Preservation Act, 1954 was in force. In view of some case laws and administrative convenience a uniform law for the whole State was proposed The . THE KARNATAKA PREVENTION OF COW SLAUGHTER AND CATTLE PRESERVATION ACT, 1964 was published in the Karnataka Gazette (Extraordinary), Part IV-2A dated 20th November 1963 as No. 144 at page. 9.)
Amendments to the 1964 act
Two amendments have been made to the 1964 act, one in 1966 and another one in 1975. Both the amendments provided exceptions to the act of 1964 under different circumstances. The 1966 amendment exempts cow or animals that have been subjected to medical, research and experimental purposes. The 1966 amendment also exempts cows or animals belonging to the Indian army. The 1975 act exempts animals belonging to the Ministry of defense or to the state government under certain conditions.
Which animals are protected by the law?
The term ‘animal’ means bull, bullock, buffalo-male or female, or calf of she-buffalo, whether male or female. The term ‘cow’ includes cows, calf of a cow, whether male or female.
Who are authorized to take action?
The term ‘competent authority’ means a person or a body of persons appointed by the state government to perform the functions required to enforce the law in specific areas under this act. The term ‘notification’ means a notification published in the official Gazette. The term ‘prescribed’ means prescribed by rules made under this act.
What exactly is prohibited?
Slaughtering, offer for slaughter, intentionally kill, offer for killing of cow, or calf of she-buffalo is prohibited. Similarly causing others to slaughter, cause to be offered for slaughter, cause to be offered for killing are also prohibited. It should be noted herein that any law, custom would not resist the ban on slaughtering of the animal. Transportation or offer for transportation or causing to be transported of any animal or cow from any place within the State to any place outside the State, for the purpose of its slaughter is prohibited.
Purchasing, selling or offering to purchase, sell or otherwise dispose of or causing to be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of, cows or calves of she-buffaloes for slaughter is prohibited.
Legal slaughtering – what is allowed in the law?
Slaughtering is possible with respect to a cow or an animal if a certificate in writing from the competent authority appointed for the area certifying that the animal is fit for slaughter is available.
A certificate may be granted by competent authority for
- the animal is over the age of twelve years; or
- the animal has become permanently incapacitated for breeding, draught or giving milk due to injury, deformity or any other cause.
The certificate may be granted in such form and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed. No certificate can be granted if the animal is suffering from any disease, which makes its meat unwholesome for human consumption.
The animal allowed for slaughtering through a certificate may be slaughtered in a place specified by an authority or officer designated by the State Government.
The following animals are exempted from the act
- Animals operated upon for vaccine lymph, serum or for any experimental or research purpose at an institution established, conducted or recognized by the State Government;
- Animals certified by a Veterinary Officer authorized by the State Government, to be necessary in the interest of the public health;
- Animal which is suffering from any disease which is certified by a Veterinary Officer authorized by the State Government as being contagious and dangerous to other animals;
- Animals certified for slaughter on the ground that it is suffering from an incurable disease or injury;
- Animals belonging to the Central Government in the Ministry of Defense, by a Veterinary Officer of the Indian Army; and
- Animals authorized by the State Government. and slaughtered by a Veterinary Officer.
What is the punishment for illegal cow slaughter?
Conviction based on this act would be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
Conviction based on this act would be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
All offenses are cognizable under this act. Abetment under this act or attempts would be punished in a similar way.
Powers of the Authorized person
The competent authority or any person authorized in this behalf by the competent authority (hereinafter referred to as the “authorized person”) shall have power to enter and inspect any premises where the competent authority or the authorized person has reason to believe that an offence of slaughter has been or is likely to be committed. Each and every person in occupation of any such premises should allow the competent authority or the authorized person such access to the premises as may be necessary for the inspection and shall answer questions by the competent authority or by the authorized person.
All persons exercising powers under this Act shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code. The authorized persons acting in good faith are protected under this act. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall be instituted against the competent authority or any person exercising powers under this Act for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rule made thereunder.
Implementation of the law
The State Government may, by notification, delegate its powers to any local authority or to any officer of the State Government. The State Government may also establish, or direct any local authority or society registered under the 1[Karnataka]1 Societies Registration Act, 1960, or any association or body of persons to establish institutions at such places as may be deemed necessary for taking care of cows or other animals sent thereto. Those who take care of animals legally may levy such fees as may be prescribed for the maintenance of such institutions. The State Government may provide by rules for the proper management of such institutions for the care of cows or other animals therein and also for the class or variety of cows or other animals.
The State Government may by notification, after previous publication, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. In particular, such rules may provide for
- the powers and duties of competent authority
- the form of the certificate to be issued to allow legal slaughter
- the amount of the fee to be paid
- the conditions subject to which this Act shall not apply to any animal
- the management of Institutions established and the fee to be levied for their maintenance; and
- any other matter which is to be or may be, prescribed.
The rules formulated by the state government has to be passed by each House of the State Legislature while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if before the expiry of the session in which it is so laid or the session immediately following, and both houses should approve the rules.
The State Government has the power of revision of the orders passed by the competent authority and can call for and examine the records of the case and may pass such order in reference thereto as it thinks fit. Any order passed by the competent or by the State Government cannot be called in question in any court.
Also see Aseema November 2014 issue