New Delhi, July 1: The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court challenging a Madras High Court order that directed a complete ban on cow slaughter in the state, except in cases allowed under the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958.
The state government argued that the High Court’s order went beyond the provisions of the law and imposed a blanket ban that is not supported by the Act.
Tamil Nadu Challenges High Court Order
In its petition before the Supreme Court, the Tamil Nadu government said the High Court had exceeded the legal framework while issuing directions on cow slaughter.
According to the government, the Act already lays down specific conditions under which cow slaughter is permitted. It argued that the court’s order created restrictions beyond what the law provides.
What the Law Says
Under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958, a cow may be slaughtered only if:
- It is more than 10 years old.
- It is permanently unfit for breeding or agricultural work.
- A competent authority issues a certificate permitting the slaughter.
The government said these provisions remain part of the existing law.
High Court’s Directions
The legal dispute began after the Madras High Court, in an order dated May 27, directed the Chief Secretary and senior police officials to ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered on Bakrid or on any other day, except as permitted under the law.
The court also instructed authorities to ensure that animal slaughter takes place only in designated slaughterhouses.
Petition Filed Over Illegal Slaughter
The High Court passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Surya, State General Secretary of the Indu Makkal Katchi.
The petitioner sought directions to stop the alleged illegal slaughter of cows in public places. The petition claimed that despite submitting representations, authorities had failed to take action.
Government Seeks Relief from Supreme Court
The Tamil Nadu government has now requested the Supreme Court to set aside the High Court’s directions. It argued that the judgment contains contradictions and extends beyond the limits of the existing law.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter in the coming days.