BIG NEWS: 10 Years in Jail, Rs.5 Lakhs Fine on Cow Slaughter, Ordinance Passed

To prevent cow slaughter and protect cows, the Uttar Pradesh Government approved a draft ordinance on Tuesday, providing a maximum rigorous imprisonment of 10 years and a fine up to Rs 5 lakh. For the first offence, a person can be given a rigorous punishment of one to seven years with a fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh.

Imprisonment & Fines for committing Cow Slaughter

1. For the second offence committed, the person can be given a 10-year rigorous imprisonment with a fine up to Rs 5 lakh. The draft of the cabinet of Uttar Pradesh of Cow Slaughter Prevention (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, got cleared at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath.

2. The aim of this new ordinance is making the existing Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955, more effective & robust & to completely stop cow slaughter incidents.

3. In the cases of illegal transportation of cows and other bovines, the owner, driver and operator shall be charged under this new act, unless proven that the transportation was done without owner’s knowledge by someone else.

4. The expenditure for the maintenance of captured cows will be recovered from vehicle owner for a period of one year or until the cow or bovine is released, whichever is earlier.

5. According to the statement, if someone puts the life of a cow in danger by not providing food and water with the intention of endangering its life, one-year rigorous imprisonment may be awarded, which may extend to seven years for the first offence. Additionally, a fine of Rs 1 lakh may be imposed, which may be extended to Rs 3 lakh.

Talking about The Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955, the statement said “However, certain loopholes continued due to which the Act could not be effectively implemented as per the public sentiment and complaints of illegal cow slaughter and transportation of cattle were received,"

Further adding that “"In the 1955 Act, there is provision of maximum seven years of punishment in incidents of cow slaughter. People getting bail in such incidents were also increasing. Incidents of persons again involving in the incident after getting bail from the court were coming to the fore. Keeping these reasons in mind, and respecting the public sentiment, it became necessary that the Act be strengthened, and made more robust and effective."

Stressing on ‘White Revolution’ & promoting of agriculture in cities & rural areas the cabinet noted that Uttar Pradesh economy depends mainly on Agriculture. Cows & other cattle play a very important role in economic & social structure of the state.