Chennai, May 27 (IANS) 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

aal/pgh