Cattle Killing

Yesterday SC stayed the controversial rules issued recently to ban sale of cattle for slaughter at live stock markets, for selling as meat (beef) in the open market. This rule had created a major political row. This ban had dismayed the cattle traders , butchers and Beef eaters. The notifications and validity of this rules was challenged in various High Courts in the country and recently Madurai bench of Madras  HC had stayed this rule.

Few observations on this issue:

1. The notification for the implementation of Prevention of cruelty to Animals(Regulation of Livestock Market) Rules 2017  was  the main issue with Cattle Traders, Butchers  etc. The beef ( mainly buffalo meat) eaters felt that it will lead to constriction in the supply of meat.
2. The additional Solicitor General, who was representing the Govt, made all  efforts to avoid the stay on implementing the rules. He further stated that as the matter is very sensitive, the Govt is keen to amend the rules and due process has already been started, and consultations are happening with all the stake holders. Further he added that that there is no shortage of Buffalo meat in the country.
3. Senior Advocate and Congress Leader appearing for Trader community  said that several petitions are pending in various HCs, and any HC could pass conflicting order, hence SC should have the final word on this issue.
4. The bench of Chief justice JS Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud said they find merit in Kapil Sibal’s argument and said the Madurai bench’s stay would be valid through out the country.
5. The ruling of SC is a big relief to Muslim community, which has a big presence in cattle trading and abattoir business.

I do not understand why the govt issued this rules in haste, without considering that  it will be difficult to implement as it affects so many people’s livelihood. BJP’s govt main contention was that cow slaughter should be banned and  it was implemented , and reluctantly all  beef eating communities agreed not to slaughter cows and only eat buffalo meat , which is also known as beef. So why there was hurry to notify this new bill of cattle trade. Govt should have realised that there are many export oriented abattoir and with this rule their business will be affected, and secondly food habits of beef eating people can not be changed over night. Beef is considered to cheapest form of red meat, as compared to price of Lamb/Goat meat it is available at less than half the price, so it has been often termed as poor man’s meat. As per this bill cattle can not be sold in Cattle markets or fairs, which was the general practice of cattle trading. The govt can not suddenly put a stop to the practice which have been followed for decades in this country, as livelihood of thousands of people will be disturbed . BJP should also stop its over enthusiastic supporters to stop/curb the lynching of any cattle traders  or transporters as they can not take law into their hands.

What you say my friends.

Awaiting for your feed backs and comments.