In a first, Madhya Pradesh approves law against cow vigilantism
Amid several alleged incidents of cow slaughter-related violence in the country, Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday became the first Indian state to approve a law against cow vigilantism. Currently, cow vigilantism-related offenses are penalized under the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. The new legislation is an amendment to the existing anti-cow slaughter Act. Here are more details.
MP Cabinet added amendment to BJP-era anti-cow slaughter Act
The Chief Minister Kamal Nath-led government on Wednesday cleared an amendment to the Madhya Pradesh Gauvansh Vadh Pratishedh Adhiniyam, 2004 - an anti-cow slaughter Act introduced in the state by the previous BJP government. The amendment makes cow vigilantism a punishable offense.
Jail term upto five years; fine of Rs. 25,000-50,000
Under the new legislation, those booked would face a jail term of six months to three years, and a fine of Rs. 25,000-50,000 would be imposed. Additional Chief Secretary (Animal Husbandry) Manoj Shrivastava told The Indian Express that the jail term would increase to a minimum one year and maximum five years if a mob is involved. Repeat offenders will face double jail terms.
Amendment made keeping SC order in mind: Shrivastava
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Shrivastava explained, "The amendment has been made keeping in mind the Supreme Court order...telling states to act tough on cow vigilantism." In 2018, SC had asked Centre to create laws to curb vigilantism and mobocracy, while hearing a petition on cow vigilantism. "Horrendous acts of mobocracy cannot be allowed to become a new norm," the court had said.
Cattle transporters required to seek sub-divisional magistrate's permission
Shrivastava added that the law makes it mandatory for cow transporters to seek a sub-divisional magistrate's permission, HT reported. State animal husbandry minister Lakhan Singh Yadav added that cattle transporters don't carry documents stating whether a cow is going for sale or slaughter, which fuels cow vigilantism. "The magistrate's permission will be a legal paper that should satisfy the gau rakshaks," Yadav told HT.
Last month, three attacked on suspicion of carrying beef
The new legislation comes on the heels of an incident near Kachhiwara in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district where three people- including one Muslim man and a woman- were attacked by five people for allegedly carrying beef. The police arrested one Shubam Baghel, who claims to be Hindutva organization Shri Ram Sena's district president, and his four accomplices.
