Ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered on Islamic festivals - Madras High Court

Madras High Court directs Tamil Nadu Government

Chennai – The Madras High Court, on May 27th directed the Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Government to ensure that cows or calves are not slaughtered for any reason on the day of Bakri Eid or Islamic festivals. The Court issued strict directions to the State authorities while hearing a petition filed seeking necessary measures to prevent cow slaughter in public places.

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1. On May 18th, Surya, the State general secretary of the Hindu Makkal Katchi (Hindu people’s Party) organization, had submitted a representation demanding action to stop illegal cow slaughter taking place in public places and to protect cows. However, the petitioner complained that the authorities ignored his representation.

2. The Court said that we allow this ‘writ petition’ and direct the Tamil Nadu government to stop slaughter of cows and calves on the festival day of Bakri Eid or on any other day. The Chief Secretary and the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) were ordered to issue appropriate instructions to all the concerned officials to ensure that this Court order is not violated.

3. The Court recalled that, as per Article 48 of the Constitution, the State government must take steps to prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves and other milk producing and agricultural animals.

4. Referring to the discussion in the Constituent Assembly, the bench noted that the cow is a revered animal in Indian culture. Cow protection was a subject very close to M. Gandhi and cow slaughter was banned even during Islamic rule. The Court also clarified that slaughtering cows on the occasion of Bakri Eid is not an essential religious practice for Muslims.

5. The Court noted that under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Animal Protection Act, 1958, only animals above 10 years of age and incapable of working or breeding can be allowed to be slaughtered. It also clarified that even for this, it is mandatory to obtain a certificate from the authorities. The Court has upheld the executive order issued by the State government banning cow slaughter to improve milk production and the rural economy.