SC issues notice to Govt on cattle sale

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Central government to respond within two weeks on the petition challenging the controversial notification regulating sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter. The apex court, however, refused to stay the notification.

The matter will come up for hearing on July 1.

The petitioner asserted that the provisions in the notification last month were unconstitutional. The, the plea claimed, was “against the freedom of religious practice to sacrifice the animals.” It also pointed out that the notification would adversely affect the livelihood of those involved in this business.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, issued by the Ministry of Environment on May 23, stated, “No person shall bring cattle to an animal market unless upon arrival he has furnished a written declaration signed by the owner of the cattle—stating the name and address of the owner of the cattle, with a copy of the photo identification proof. Giving details of the identification of the cattle and stating that the cattle has not been brought to market for sale for slaughter.”