BENGALURU: The Karnataka HC on Monday permitted the state government to implement the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle (Transportation of Cattle) Rules, 2021.
Modifying an earlier order to this effect, a division bench headed by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi allowed an interlocutory application (IA) filed by the state government.
The bench, however, said that since the validity of the Act itself is under challenge and pending consideration before the court, the implementation of Rule 5 will be subject to final decision of the court.
Notified on May 24, 2021, these rules are contemplated under Section 5 of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, and relate to curbs on transportation of cattle. On January 20, 2021, the court had recorded a statement made by the Advocate General that till the rules are framed in exercise of powers under Section 5 of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Ordinance, 2020 and brought into force, no coercive action will be initiated by the state government for the breach or violation of Section 5 of the said Act.
The AG had further stated that after the rules are framed and before the same are brought into force, the state government will move the court so that the petitioners are put to notice that the rules are likely to come into force.
Mentioning the said assurance, Advocate General Prabhuling K Navadgi said that an IA has been filed seeking modification of the January 20, 2021, interim order. He further said that the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, came into effect from February 15, 2021 and through a May 24, 2021, notification, the rules were published in the gazette on May 25, 2021.
In the IA, the state government has stated that so far, a total of 413 cases have been booked across the state during 2020-2021 period, for violation of the Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act 2020.
Further, the state government has said that there are 26 authorized slaughterhouses functioning across the state.
