Key Points:
- The Central Government is planning on proposing a draft that introduces a COMPLETE BAN on Slaughter of Cow, Calf, Bull and Bullock in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
- The highest punishment will be Life Imprisonment for whoever violates the law.
- P.P. Mohammed Faizal, lone Lok Sabha member from Lakshadweep said, “The draft is against our fundamental right. This has been clearly communicated to the administration. I will be meeting Home Minister Amit Shah today to raise the issue. I’m almost certain that the draft has been published at the interest of the governor (Administrator) without consultation or consent from the local representatives or the home ministry.”
- Animal Husbandry Secretary of Lakshadweep, Damodhar A.T., who signed the draft said, “He assured that people’s opinion will be taken into consideration before going ahead with the law.”
The Central Government is planning on proposing a draft that introduces a COMPLETE BAN on Slaughter of Cow, Calf, Bull and Bullock in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The highest punishment will be Life Imprisonment for whoever violates the law. The island administration is led by former BJP leader Praful K. Patel, has proposed, in addition to prohibition of sale, storage and transportation of beef or beef products in any form.
The island consumes a large amount of beef due to the majority Muslim population living in the Union Territory. The draft of the Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation, 2021 is waiting for a public response towards it till March 28. This, in turn has led the majority population to create a little chaos in the UT.
P.P. Mohammed Faizal, lone Lok Sabha member from Lakshadweep said, “The draft is against our fundamental right. This has been clearly communicated to the administration. I will be meeting Home Minister Amit Shah today to raise the issue. I’m almost certain that the draft has been published at the interest of the governor (Administrator) without consultation or consent from the local representatives or the home ministry.”
The MP has discussed the issue with Animal Husbandry Secretary of Lakshadweep, Damodhar A.T., who signed the draft. “He assured that people’s opinion will be taken into consideration before going ahead with the law,” the MP told THE WEEK. “However, Damodhar told me that he signed the draft without noticing the word “bull” in it,” Faizal added.
DRAFT:
In this regard, Section 5(2) of the draft Regulations states as follows:
“No certificate under sub-section (1) shall be granted in respect of—
(a) a cow;
(b) the calf of a cow, whether male or female and if male, whether castrated or not;
(c) a bull;
(d) a bullock”
– Slaughter of any other animal will need a certificate from the competent authority.
Punishment:
- Imprisonment for a term that shall not be less than 10 years
- Can extend to Life Imprisonment
- Minimum fine of Rs. 1 Lakh
- Can extend up to Rs. 5 Lakh.
Section 8 seeks to impose ban on beef products. It states:
“No person shall directly or indirectly sell, keep, store, transport, offer or expose for sell or buy beef or beef products in any form.”
– Any vehicle or conveyance which is used to transport beef or beef products will be liable to be seized by the officer appointed for the same and it shall stand forfeited to the Union Territory.
Punishment:
- Imprisonment for a term that shall not be less than 7 years
- Can extend up to 10 years
- Minimum fine of Rs. 1 Lakh.
- Can extend up to Rs. 5 Lakh.
