3-7 yrs of imprisonment & 50k-5L fine for cow slaughter in K'taka

Bengaluru:The controversial Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2020, was passed in the Legislative Assembly amid protests by the Opposition Congress and the JDS parties.

The Bill proposes to prohibit slaughter of cows and other cattle.  The Bill will now go to the Legislative Council, the upper house, for approval, where the ruling BJP does not enjoy majority.

The Opposition objected to the tabling of the bill saying it was not discussed in the Business Advisory Committee meeting held Tuesday

Under the Bill, 'cattle' is defined as cow, calf of a cow and bull, bullock and male/female buffalo below the age of thirteen years. Slaughter of cattle will be a cognisable offence and will attract three to seven years of imprisonment and a fine that shall not be less than Rs 50,000, extendable up to Rs 5 lakh.

A second and subsequent offence will attract a "fine not less than Rs 1 lakh but which may extend to Rs 10 lakh along with imprisonment which may extend to seven years," the Bill said.

A police officer of sub-inspector or higher rank, or a competent authority has the power of search and seizure, if they have "reason to believe that an offence under this Act has been committed". After the seizure, the officer shall report it "without unreasonable delay before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate for confiscation." The Bill also recommended constituting special courts for the purpose of speedy disposal of disputes under this Act.

Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah-led Congress rushed to the well of the House. Siddaramaiah said the Bill was introduced in a "clandestine manner" as it was not part of the day's agenda.

K'nataka Minister offers pooja to cow after Anti-Cow slaughter Bill gets passed

Bengaluru:Karnataka Minister for Cooperation S T Somashekar, welcoming the passage of the Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill in the Legislative Assembly last night, offered prayer to a cow at the party office on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, he pointed out respective District In charge Ministers, Legislators, leaders and office bearers are symbolically offering pooja to cows to hail historical development.

Reacting to Congress opposition to the Bill, he said that the grand-old-party's job is to oppose whatever they think doesn’t serve their interests. Because they are in the opposition , they oppose every good work done by the government, he added.(UNI)