Madras HC orders immediate ban on cow slaughter across TN ahead of Bakrid
Chennai, May 27
The Madras High Court on Wednesday directed the Tamil Nadu government to immediately enforce a statewide ban on cow slaughter by implementing a Government Order issued in 1976, stressing that the order carries the force of law and must be strictly followed across the state.
A summer vacation Bench comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan instructed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police/Head of Police Force (DGP/HoPF) to ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered anywhere in Tamil Nadu, either during Bakrid celebrations on Thursday or on any other day.
The court directed the top officials to issue immediate instructions to all district administrations and police authorities to prevent any violation of the order.
The Bench also directed the High Court Registry to post the matter again on Friday for the state government to submit a compliance report.
The directions were issued while allowing a public interest litigation petition filed by K. Surya Prasanth, youth wing secretary of the Indu Makkal Katchi.
The petitioner alleged that temporary sheds had been erected at several locations in Coimbatore for the slaughter of cows during Bakrid.
In his detailed order, Justice Swaminathan extensively referred to Article 48 of the Constitution, which directs the state to prohibit the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and draught cattle in the interest of agriculture and the rural economy.
The judge observed that cow protection has deep cultural and historical roots in India and noted that Mahatma Gandhi had strongly advocated the issue.
Referring to debates in the Constituent Assembly, the court said cows had long been associated with Indian civilisation and traditions.
The court also cited earlier Supreme Court rulings stating that sacrificing cows during Bakrid is not an essential religious practice in Islam and that many Muslims choose to sacrifice other animals instead.
Justice Swaminathan further pointed out that several Muslim rulers in history had prohibited cow slaughter during their reigns.
The Bench additionally observed that under the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, 2023, animals such as goats and sheep can only be slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses and not in temporary or unauthorised facilities.
"Since the executive power is co-terminus with the legislative power, a Government Order banning cow slaughter is sustainable in law and must be enforced," the court said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm an American living in Chennai, and I find this fascinating. India's Constitution specifically protects cows, and the court is just enforcing existing law. It's not about religion—it's about agriculture and rural economy. Though I do worry about sudden enforcement creating tension among communities.
Finally, some clarity! The 1976 GO was gathering dust for decades. But I hope the government ensures proper enforcement without targeting any community unfairly. There are already enough communal tensions—we need sensitivity, not confrontation. Also, why is only cow slaughter being banned? What about buffaloes?
I support the court's decision—India's Constitution is clear on this. But let's not pretend this is only about law. There's a political angle too. The IMK is a fringe group, and suddenly their PIL gets priority? Come on, the timing before Bakrid is deliberate. 😒
Great judgment! Cows are like mothers to us—they give milk, help in farming. And the court also cited that many Muslim rulers banned cow slaughter historically. So this isn't anti-Muslim at all. It's about respecting Indian traditions and the law of the land. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
I'm worried about how this will be implemented on the ground. What about the poor butchers who rely on this for their livelihood? The court should have suggested alternative arrangements or compensation. Also, why is the PIL from a political party being fast-tracked while genuine public issues wait for years? 🤔
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