-by Faiz Khan, Gav Raksha Committee
Cattle slaughter in India is a historically taboo subject because of the cow's traditional status as a sacred animal in Hinduism, the largest religion in the country. Dairy products are extensively used in Hindu culture and are one of the most essential nutritional components of Hindu meals. No state law explicitly bans the consumption of beef.
The laws governing cattle slaughter vary greatly from State to State. The "Preservation, protection and improvement of stock and prevention of animal diseases, veterinary training and practice" is Entry 15 of the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, meaning that State legislatures have exclusive powers to legislate the prevention of slaughter and preservation of cattle. Some States allow the slaughter of cattle with restrictions like a "fit-for-slaughter" certificate which may be issued depending on factors like age and gender of cattle, continued economic viability etc. Others completely ban cattle slaughter, while there is no restriction in a few states. Prohibition of cow slaughter is a Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Article 48 of the Constitution. It reads, "The State shall endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle."
