What happened
The Supreme Court stayed a Madras High Court order that had directed Tamil Nadu to enforce a statewide prohibition on the slaughter of cows and calves. The Supreme Court issued notice on Tamil Nadu’s appeal and stayed the ban to the extent that it required a complete prohibition.
Tamil Nadu argued that the High Court’s direction went beyond the existing legal framework and amounted to judicial lawmaking. The State said the applicable law regulates slaughter conditions rather than imposing a blanket ban.
Statutory background
The State relied on the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958, which permits the slaughter of cows over 10 years old if a competent authority certifies that the animal is unfit for work or breeding.
The State also cited the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, and relevant Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies laws and rules.
Related current affairs
- CJI-led Bench lauds scrapped MGNREGA as a ‘good scheme’
- SC seeks Centre’s reply on AI use in public welfare
- T.N. moves top court against HC striking down job orders to kin of Karur victims
- After a brief pause, U.S. and Iran resume strikes
- To stay on Kerala Waqf Board curbs, SC drops govt oversight clause
- SC allows release of animated film on Lord Ganesha after stay