Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 11: The anti-cow slaughter Bill which was passed in the state Assembly on December 9 amid the ruckus was pulled back by the BJP government. Fearing the loss of face, the ruling BJP on Thursday did not table the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill - 2020 in the Legislative Council. The state anti-cow slaughter Bill is said to be more stringent than that of Maharashtra's beef ban. Defending the Bill, deputy chief minister Dr Ashwath Narayan said that the anti-cow slaughter Bill will protect the 'Gau Rakshaks'. The Bill expands the definition of 'cattle' and includes bulls and buffaloes under 13 years of age and strengthens the punishment for people involved in any form of cattle slaughter.

Meanwhile, Section 17 of the Bill provides protection to 'people who are acting in good faith' from legal action. However, there is no clarity on whether it is referring to 'Gau Rakshaks'. "Vigilantes or anyone who is working for a cause and the law of the land should definitely have a scope to work in this provision," the DCM said.

Cow vigilantes at an event (file photo)

Stating that the protection of cow vigilantes was also considered while preparing the Bill, Dr Narayan said that in Karnataka, it is only the cow vigilantes who have lost their lives.

The minister claimed that the vigilantes in Karnataka were putting themselves at great risk. "People in the (cattle) trade were completely armed. They were taking lives and killing people. It is not the vigilantes," he said.

Regarding the statement of objects and reasons in the Bill, the DCM maintained that the BJP government in the state wants to ensure the 'preservation and improvement of breeds of cattle' and 'organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry'.

"We need to protect and promote our culture. That is the main reason for us to... come out with a law. Not with any agenda. We are already in power," he maintained.