Bangalore, 13 Feb 2010 : The Karnataka State Cabinet has approved a new law to ban the slaughter of cows and calves and ensure cattle conservation. The Bill, which is set to replace the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964, is expected to be tabled in the next session of the legislature. The state is ruled by a right-wing Hindu political party.

The bill seeks to prevent the slaughter of cows for food. The new law obviously targets Muslims and Christians who live in the state of Karnataka. Already, multinational companies such as McDonald's do not sell beef in their Indian outlets.

The Cabinet had constituted a subcommittee under the chairmanship of Home Minister V.S. Acharya to study the drawbacks in the existing law and suggest measures to be incorporated in the proposed Act. The new legislation will be in accordance with the Central Act and in conformity with Article 48 of the Constitution.

Briefing press persons on the decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday, Dr. Acharya and Law Minister S. Suresh Kumar said that the new legislation would have guidelines for the transportation of cattle, apart from stern punishment for offenders. First-time offenders will be liable to a year in prison and a fine between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000. Those held for a second offence or more will have to face imprisonment of up to seven years and pay a fine between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 1 lakh.

Dr. Acharya said that the judgments of courts in various cases pertaining to cow slaughter and transportation of milch animals had suggested that the law should be in consonance with the provisions of the Constitution. “The larger aim of the new Act is to bring in an effective mechanism and enforcement to curb cow slaughter.”