UP: Photos of cow culprits will be displayed in public places

Pashu Sandesh, 10 June 2020

On Tuesday 9^th of June, Yogi Government at Uttar Pradesh approved the prevention of cow slaughter (amendment) ordinance, 2020. The purpose of this ordinance is to make cow slaughter act 1955 more effective. This ordinance has provision to display the names and pictures of accused in their neighbourhood or a public place if they are absconding.

The ordinance defines punishment of ten years jail sentence and a fine of Rs 3 to 5 lakhs for culprits of cow slaughter. Further, the ordinance defines punishment of one to seven years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 to 3 lakhs for accused, who tries to endanger a cow’s life, transported in a manner that risks their life mutilates them or deny feed and water.  Before this ordinance, the maximum imprisonment period was 7 years and the maximum fine was 3 lakh rupees.

Under the new ordinance, the authorities can charge the driver as well as the owner of the vehicle used for cow trafficking. Further, the accused will have to bear the maintenance cost of the seized cattle for a period of one year or till the animals are released.