NATION | Wednesday, March 10, 2010 | Email | Print |  | Back
Bedlam in Karnataka over Cow Slaughter Bill
Kestur Vasuki | Bangalore
As anticipated, the Opposition Congress vociferously protested the introduction of 'Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill 2010' by the BJP government in Karnataka.
Noisy scenes were witnessed in the State Assembly on Tuesday over the introduction of this Bill. However, amidst all the protest and dharna, the Speaker KG Bopaiah, introduced the Bill by voice vote.
Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah led the Congress dharna against the Bill. Opposing the Bill at the introduction stage itself, Siddaramaiah and others termed it as “draconian” and “anti-people.”
Demanding its withdrawal, the Congress leaders said the Bill was against the culture of the “majority of people. The House witnessed rowdy scenes with the Speaker struggling to control the protesting members. At one point, the introduction of the Bill by voice vote, led to heated exchanges between the Opposition and treasury benches. The entire Opposition sat on dharna and relented only after the Speaker agreed to allow time for discussion on the Bill.
Talking to The Pioneer, Siddaramaiah terming the Bill as draconian said “There is already a Bill on cow slaughter. Why is the government introducing this new Bill? This Bill is draconian and against the interest of the people,” he said.
Another senior Congress leader, TB Jayachandra too reiterated Siddaramaiah's contention while urging the government to withdraw the Bill.
The Bill, according to the Government, has stringent penal provisions, including imprisonment against slaughter of cow and its progeny. A Cabinet sub-committee, comprising Dr VS Acharya, Home Minister, law minister Suresh Kumar and Animal Husbandry Minister Revu Naik Belamagi, which studied the issue, approved the new legislation, which would also stress on cow protection.
According to the proposed Bill, cow slaughter and transportation would attract imprisonment ranging from one year to seven years and fine from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh, depending on whether it's a first time cognisable offence or more than once
Recently, beef merchants across the State had protested against the Government's move to introduce the Bill.
The Bill, if introduced has made cow slaughter among others an offence, provided for prevention of slaughter of bovines and the preservation of and improvement of the breeds of cattle.
The Bill also provides for stringent punishment for violation of the Act and powers to “search and seize” any premises which included “vessel or vehicle.”
Email | Print | Rate:
|