Reacting to the significant ruling, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed happiness over the upholding of most of the provisions in the legislation as “Constitutional” but indicated that his Government would move the Supreme Court against the striking down of two provisions in the legislation.
Talking to media persons, Fadnavis said, "The HC has affirmed that our law is constitutional and it has not targeted any religion, caste or creed. I am happy that our stand is vindicated by the court".
"However, there are two provisions of the law that have been struck down by the High Court. We will consult our lawyers and, if necessary, will approach the Supreme Court against this. Other than these two provisions, the court has found no fault with the law," the Chief Minister said.
The Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, for which President Pranab Mukherjee granted sanction in February last year, held the sale of bulls and bullocks in the State for slaughter an offence punishable with five year jail term and Rs10,000 fine. Besides, possession of flesh of cow or of bull or bullock was also an offence for which the punishment prescribed was one year jail and Rs2,000 fine.