Uttar Pradesh Government clears Ordinance to prevent Cow Slaughter

On Tuesday, to protect cows & prevent their slaughter, the UP Govt. approved a draft ordinance, providing maximum rigorous imprisonment of ten years & a fine up to ₹5 lakh.

For the 1st offence, a person can be given a rigorous punishment of one to 7 years with a fine ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh.

For the 2nd offence, the person can be given 10-year rigorous imprisonment with a fine up to ₹5 lakh, a statement said.

The State cabinet cleared the draft of the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Cow Slaughter Prevention (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 at a meeting chaired by CM Yogi Aditynath here.

In case of the illegal transportation of cows & other bovines, the driver, operator & the owner of the vehicle shall be charged under the new Act, unless proven that the transportation was done without the owner’s knowledge by someone else for committing the crime.

The expenditure incurred on the maintenance of the captured cows will be recovered from the owner of the vehicle for a period of 1 year or until the cow or bovine is released, whichever is earlier. The provisions also attract punishment if there is a danger to their lives through physical damage or mutilation.

According to the statement, if someone puts the life of a cow in danger by not providing food & water with the intention of endangering its life, one-year rigorous imprisonment may be awarded, which may extend to seven years for the first offence. Additionally, a fine of ₹1 lakh may be imposed, which may be extended to ₹3 lakh.

The Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955 was implemented in the state on Jan 6, 1956. The Act was amended in 1958, 1961, 1979 & 2002. The rules were amended in 1964 & 1979.

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