Tamil Nadu Challenges High Court Verdict
The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court order that directed authorities to ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered in the state except under the conditions specified in the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958.
In its petition, the state government argued that the High Court’s directions effectively imposed a complete ban on cow slaughter, going beyond what is permitted under the existing law.
What the Existing Law Says
Under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958, the slaughter of a cow is allowed only under specific conditions. The law permits slaughter if the animal is more than 10 years old, is permanently unfit for breeding or agricultural work, and has been certified by the competent authority.
The state government maintained that the Act already lays down the legal framework governing the issue and that any additional restrictions should not be imposed through judicial directions.
High Court’s Directions
The legal dispute arises from a May 27 judgment delivered by a division bench of the Madras High Court comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayan.
While hearing the matter, the High Court observed that animal slaughter should take place only in authorised slaughterhouses. It also instructed the Chief Secretary and senior police officials to ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered during Bakrid or on any other day across the state.
The court further directed the government to issue necessary instructions to officials at all levels to strictly implement the order.
State Government’s Stand
In its appeal before the Supreme Court, the Tamil Nadu government argued that the High Court’s ruling exceeded the scope of the Animal Preservation Act by introducing a blanket prohibition that is not envisaged under the legislation.
According to the state, the judgment contains internal inconsistencies because, while referring to the provisions of the Act, it simultaneously issues directions that effectively prohibit cow slaughter beyond the limits prescribed by law.
The government has requested the Supreme Court to examine the legality of the High Court’s order and determine whether the directions are consistent with the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958.
