Bhubaneswar: The Odisha High Court has ordered the state government to strictly enforce the Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960, effectively banning cow slaughter in the state. The directive came after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Gau Gyan Foundation, which highlighted instances of cow slaughter and smuggling in the state.
The court’s decision aims to curb the rising crimes related to cow smuggling and slaughter, with many vehicles being caught transporting cows and beef. The PIL had sought the court’s intervention to remove unauthorised slaughterhouses and regulate cow slaughter according to the Act’s restrictions.
The Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act prohibits the slaughter of cows and their progeny in Odisha.
Earlier in June 2024, the High Court had ordered the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to file an affidavit in the court detailing the steps being taken to prohibit and prevent illegal cow slaughter.
