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Slaughtering Animals By Murdering Constitution
Laxmi Naraian Modi
1.1. While going through Annual Report for 1994-95 of Deptt. of Animal Husbandry & Dairying of
Ministry of Agriculture, Govt Of India. I found in the list of functions, “cattle slaughter". This created inquisitiveness as to how this could be a function of the department, when Husbandry means
"Farming; economy; careful management." 1.2 On further enquiry, I learnt that Allocation of Business (AoB) is done by Cabinet Secretariat manned
by highly qualified personnel and headed by senior most bureaucrat designated as Cabinet Secretary.
A copy of Aob duly corrected up to September 4, 1995 was obtained. 2.1. The most glaring murder of Constitution is insertion of words under item (12b) in AoB “Cattle
utilisation and slaughter." These words are not found in List I, II or III of schedule Seven of Constitution of India; while words under 12 (a) pounds and cattle trespass are to an extent according to List
II, but in AoB the words “Prevention of” before cattle trespass are missing. 2.2. If this group of people exceed the provisions of constitution for slaughtering of animals, whose
protection and development is desired in the constitution vide article 48 & 51A (g), it is nothing but
wilful murdering of Indian Constitution. 311. AoB mentioned "As regards legislation only" for items under part II but these have been omitted by
Deptt. of Animal Husbandry & Dairying in Part II of their functions. Legislation is to deal with : > Provision of Veterinary Practice > Prevention of the extension from one State to another of infectious or contagious diseases or pests
affecting animals Pattern of financial assistance to various states undertaking Dairy Development Schemes either
through their own agencies or through the Co-operative Unions > Operation Flood Programme and all matters pertaining thereto
> Technology Mission on Dairy Development 3.2 Items 9 and 10 i.e. Court of wards and Insurance (cattle) are not mentioned in list II of Schedule VII,
though included in AoB 3.3. In part III item 9 of DAH & D, following words are in conformity with Schedule Seven list II,
“Preservation, protection and improvement of stock and prevention of animal diseases, veteri
nary training and practice." 3.4. The above complies with article 48 of the constitution reading as under
“The State shall endeavor to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds and
prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle." 3.5 Ninth edition of Constitution of India by V.N. Shukla, following has been quoted from Supreme Court
Judgement in the matter of M.H. Queresbi Vs. State of Bibar, AIR 1958. "The directive for taking steps for preventing the slaughter of animals is quite explicit and positive
A
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