Gujarat Government to propose 7-yr jail for cow slaughter

As part of measures to check cow slaughter, the state government is all set to propose harsher punishment for cow slaughter
The government plans to propose up to seven years imprisonment for cow slaughter, instead of the current six months, by bringing amendments in the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act during the upcoming two-day session of the state assembly.

"The proposed amendment will be tabled before the assembly during its two-day session on September 26 and 27. Besides proposing a longer jail term, the government is also proposing confiscation of vehicles that are used for transporting cow meat," said a government official, requesting anonymity.

The proposals for harsher punishments are being seen as a bid to mollify the maldhari community, which has been seeking steps to check cow slaughter.

Law and parliamentary affairs minister Dileep Sanghani could not be reached.

Meanwhile, government sources said that the planned amendments to the Gujarat Lok Ayukta Act are unlikely to be tabled during the two-day session.

"The amendments are still being worked out. The bill is unlikely to be presented before the assembly in the coming session," said a source.

Sources said that the Impact Fee and other bills, which were returned by the Governor earlier, will be tabled again in the assembly in the coming session.