Government ready to review cattle slaughter order

Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said the intention behind the notification was not to harm any particular group, influence food habits or affect slaughter business.

“Suggestions that have been submitted will be reviewed. It is not a prestige issue for the government,” he said on the sidelines of a function here on the eve of the World Environment Day. 

The minister was asked if these representations were being reviewed and if the government was open to considering alternative views on the issue. The row over beef eating and limits on cattle trade has sparked a nationwide controversy and protests have been held in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has described the ban as undemocratic and unconstitutional and said her government will not accept it. On May 30, the Madras High Court had stayed for four weeks the enforcement of the contentious notification banning sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter. The decision is expected to hit export and trade in meat and leather. 

After the announcement of the ban under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the Environment Ministry has received several representations on it asking the government to consider alternative views, the Minister said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said that the ban has nothing to do with state laws on cow slaughter and concerns only with the place of sale.