Lighthouse

Author(s): Udayvallabhvijay
Publisher: Pragna Prabodh Parivar

Page 71

One more thing needs serious consideration. It is unfortunate that there is no effective law in the country which values animal life. The irony is that if somebody hits an animal or drags the animal, it becomes an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. However, if someone slaughters an animal (which is the extreme cruelty) it is not an offence ! On the contrary, it is protected as a Fundamental Right of one's business. Beating is an offence, killing is not. This legal puzzle awaits solution! However, whatever restrictions are put on slaughter of: animals under various State Laws, it is because such animals are useful for the society or they support the nation's economy, and not because Jains believe in nonviolence. Nobody seems to be concerned with the fact that animals also have life like human beings. Nobody is concerned that some people have compassion for other living creatures. Animals can be saved from slaughter only if people can be made to understand their economic importance. Various judgements which curbed violence against animals were delivered not on the grounds of compassion but on economic ground or reasons of environment etc. Article 51A(g) in the Constitution of India has imposed a fundamental duty on all citizens to have compassion towards all living creatures. If someone seriously attempts to perform this duty, he is accused of imposing his thoughts on others or interfering with the life of others. Isn't it strange ? If one is not allowed to observe the fundamental duty, what is the point of having such duties prescribed in
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Lighthouse