State government argues Madras High Court exceeded its powers by imposing a blanket ban beyond the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court’s order prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves across the state, arguing that the ruling goes beyond the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958.
In its appeal, the state contended that the Act permits the slaughter of cows above 10 years of age if they are certified as permanently unfit for work or breeding. It argued that the High Court’s May 27 order effectively rewrote the law by imposing a blanket ban instead of interpreting the existing legislation.
The government also questioned the scope of the High Court’s ruling, noting that the original petition sought only to prevent animal slaughter in public places during Bakrid celebrations in Coimbatore. However, the court extended the directive to prohibit the slaughter of cows and calves across Tamil Nadu throughout the year.
The appeal further states that Tamil Nadu already has a comprehensive legal framework regulating animal slaughter through licensed slaughterhouses and the Animal Preservation Act, making the blanket prohibition unnecessary.
The order has sparked political and religious debate. DMK spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah criticised the ruling, saying it would create practical difficulties during festivals as licensed slaughterhouses lack the capacity to handle increased demand. MMK president M.H. Jawahirullah termed the order an infringement on religious freedom protected under Article 25 of the Constitution.
Responding to criticism over the timing of the appeal, sources in the Chief Minister’s Office said the government conducted detailed legal consultations before approaching the Supreme Court.
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