The Central government is proposing to introduce a complete ban on slaughter of cow, calf, bull and bullock in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep with a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for violation of the law. .The law proposed to be introduced also seeks to ban sale, storage or transportation of beef or beef products in any form..Towards this, the draft of the Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation, 2021 has been placed on public domain inviting comments from the public.The comments have to be sent in on or before March 28, 2021.The draft Regulations contemplate a total ban on slaughter of all cows, calves (male and female), bull and bullock..In this regard, Section 5(2) of the draft Regulations states as follows:."No certificate under sub-section (1) shall be granted in respect of—(a) a cow;(b) the calf of a cow, whether male or female and if male, whether castrated or not;(c) a bull;(d) a bullock".Even for slaughter of any other animal, certificate from the competent authority would be required..Violation of this provision will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to imprisonment for life but shall not be less than ten years and with fine which may extend to Rs 5 lakh but shall not be not less than Rs. 1 lakh..Section 8 seeks to impose ban on beef products. It states:."No person shall directly or indirectly sell, keep, store, transport, offer or expose for sell or buy beef or beef products in any form.".Any vehicle or conveyance which is used to transport beef or beef products will be liable to be seized by the officer appointed for the same and it shall stand forfeited to the Union Territory..Violation of this provision will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years but shall not be less than seven years and with fine which may be extend to Rs. 5 lakh but shall not be less than Rs. 1 lakh..[Read the Draft Regulations]
