Ban on beef sale within 5 km radius of temple: Assam govt brings new cattle bill

New Delhi: If the new cattle bill proposed by Himanta Biswa Sarma govt gets the approval of Assembly, a ban will be imposed on cattle slaughter and sale of beef within 5 km radius of the temples. The law will be specifically be applicable to the areas where Hindus, Jains & Sikhs are in majority.

The new bill to protect cattle was tabled in Assam Assembly on Monday. The new proposed law – Assam Cattle Preservation Bill 2021 seeks to prohibit sale and purchase of beef in places that fall within five-kilometre radius of a temple.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, after introducing the bill, said the “new legislation seeks to ensure that permission for slaughter wasn’t granted in areas that are predominantly inhabited by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and other non-beef-eating communities or places that fall within five-kilometre radius of a temple, satra, and any other institution as maybe prescribed by the authorities”.

Violators will face 3 years jail term or 3-5 lakh fine

According to the proposed law, police officers will have the power to enter and inspect any premises within their jurisdiction where he has “reason to believe that an offence under the Act has been or is likely to be committed.”

In the 1950 Act, this power was given only to the Veterinary Officer and Certifying Officer, appointed by the government.

Anybody found guilty of the act will face either a jail term of minimum 3 years (extendable up to eight years) and fined Rs 3 lakh- Rs 5 lakh or both.

If someone convicted under the new law is found guilty of the same or a related offence the second time, the punishment will be doubled, reports said.

The legislation shall extend to the whole of the state and the term ‘cattle’ shall apply to bulls, bullocks, cows, heifer, calves, male and female buffaloes and buffalo calves, PTI reported.