The Madras High Court has issued a directive to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to ensure that cow slaughter does not occur in public spaces or non-designated areas during the Bakrid festival. This directive comes as a response to a petition filed by a Coimbatore resident and political activist, raising concerns over potential cow slaughter in unauthorized locations.
Court’s Directive and Observations
A Bench comprising Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice V Lakshminarayanan emphasized that the slaughtering of animals must be confined to slaughterhouses or other areas officially designated by competent authorities. The Court categorically stated, “Slaughter cannot be done in any place you want,” highlighting the obligation of authorities to enforce existing laws.
Petitioner’s Concerns and Court’s Response
The petitioner’s allegations that arrangements were being made for cow slaughter in non-designated areas prompted the High Court’s intervention. The Court scrutinized a counter-affidavit by the Inspector of Police from D2 Selvapuram Police Station in Coimbatore, which suggested that temporary locations had been approved for cow slaughter. The Court challenged the legality of such temporary arrangements, asserting that only competent local authorities can designate slaughtering areas under the applicable laws.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
In its deliberation, the Court referred to a previous High Court Division Bench order from July 30, 2020, and a 1976 Government Order by the Tamil Nadu State concerning cow slaughter. The Court clarified that while an absolute ban on cow slaughter is not imposed by law, it becomes impermissible unless specific legal conditions are met. The Bench also cited the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, 2023, asserting that legal slaughter can only occur in designated locations.
Statewide Enforcement
Despite the petition being focused on Coimbatore, the Court’s directive extends across Tamil Nadu. The Bench instructed the Chief Secretary and the DGP to ensure that no cow slaughter takes place in public or non-designated areas during Bakrid throughout the state.
