Delhi HC Dismisses PIL For Law Banning Cow Slaughter, Beef Sale

06 November, New Delhi

The Delhi High Court today dismissed a PIL seeking enactment of a law prohibiting slaughter of cows and sale of beef and such products across the national capital region, terming it as misconceived.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath declined to entertain the plea after the AAP government informed the court that there is already ‘Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act’ to protect cattle. Additional Standing counsel Sanjoy Ghose, appearing for the state government, further contented that the petition was a publicity stunt and should be dismissed with exemplary cost.

Taking note of the submissions of Delhi government’s counsel, the bench said, the writ petition is misconceived and same is dismissed. During the brief hearing, the bench also observed that it cannot issue any direction for enactment of law and it is for the state and Central government to take the decision.

The petition, filed by Swami Satyananda Chakradhari, who claimed to be a monk, has sought directions to the state government to enact a law similar to the 1932 Ranbir Penal Code, applicable in Jammu and Kashmir, which states that slaughter of cows and like animals was punishable with up to 10 years of imprisonment as well as a financial penalty.