Madhya Pradesh Government approved an amendment in the law to punish Cow Vigilantes in the State

On Wednesday, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved an amendment to the law which made cow vigilantism a punishable offence.

In lieu of the same, Manoj Shrivastava, Principal secretary (animal husbandry), said that the amendment to the Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act proposes a jail term ranging from one to five years and a fine of Rs. 50,000 for anyone taking part in cow vigilantism. Currently, offences related to cow vigilantism are dealt under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). He further quoted that, “The amendment has been made keeping in mind the Supreme Court order...telling states to act tough on cow vigilantism”.[1]

IMAGE 1: Shri Manoj Shrivastava ad Shri Lakhan Singh Yadav (Left to Right).

Moreover, the law also mandates to seek SDM’s prior approval & permission for ensuring safety of cow transporters and it can also be used to satisfy the Gau Rakshak- if stopped during the transit, as quoted by Lakhan Singh Yadav, State Minister of Animal Husbandry.