Haryana Assembly bans cow slaughter

The Haryana Assembly has passed a Bill that bans cow slaughter across the state.

According to reports, those people found violating the law, will face rigorous imprisonment ranging from three to ten years. The new law also provides for a fine ranging from Rs.30, 000 to Rs.one lakh. In case of default in payment of the fine, the convict will have to undergo an addition one year jail term.

The Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Bill, 2015, for protection and upkeep of cows, was reportedly discussed for about an hour, and then passed by voice vote last night.

The bill was moved by state Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister O P Dhankar, and had the support from main opposition INLD and Congress.

Dhankar informed the House on Monday that no permit for export of cows shall be issued for a state where cow slaughter is not banned by law. However, he added that the state government shall have power to issue special permits for export of cow in case where it is of the opinion that it shall be in the public interest to do so.

Haryana had earlier imposed a complete ban on the sale of beef in any form in the state on March 14.