“This Is Not Democracy”: Karnataka’s Cow Slaughter Bill Provokes Fury
Karnataka’s controversial new cow protection act – which replaces legislation from 1964 that also prohibited the slaughter of cows – has been red-flagged for both tougher punishments and provisions that many are calling “undemocratic”….
Punishment for a first-time conviction ranges from a prison term of three to seven years and fines between ₹ 50,000 and ₹ 5 lakh. Subsequent convictions could invite fines of up to ₹ 10 lakh and a jail term of up to seven years. The sale and transport of cattle for slaughter (within the state and across its border) is also prohibited.
Many have expressed concern over the new act…. The Congress, which says the new bill also hurts the interests of farmers, has accused the BJP of trying to polarise communities by targeting beef and its consumers ahead of local elections to be held later this month.
