Karnataka Karnataka clears ordinance to prevent cattle slaughter
Bengaluru/IBNS: The Karnataka government's ordinance to prevent cattle slaughter came to effect on Tuesday after the same was cleared by the governor.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Karnataka passed the Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation (Amendment) Bill in the Legislative Assembly last month.
The BJP government led by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa took the ordinance route after the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill was passed by the assembly last month during the winter session.
The ordinance provides between three and seven years jail and (or) a fine up to ₹ 5 lakh for the guilty.
However, slaughter is allowed for those dealing in the meat of buffaloes above 13 years old, only if certified by a competent authority.
There is also an exemption for slaughtering terminally ill cattle, cattle suffering from contagious diseases or those that went through medical procedures for research purposes.
Offering protection for "persons acting in good faith", the ordinance provides scope for no lawsuit, prosecution or other legal proceedings can be launched against the competent authority or any person using powers under this ordinance.
