President gives assent to Maharashtra Animal Preservation Amendment Bill, 1995
Recently, President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Bill, 1995. It received assent nearly after 19 years it was passed by State Assembly in 1995.
Key facts
- This bill amends Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act 1976 and bans slaughter of bulls and bullocks in the state.
- As per the provisions of new Act, anyone found to be selling beef or in possession of it can be jailed for 5 years and fined Rs 10,000.
- However, this Act allows slaughter of water buffaloes, which provides carabeef that is generally considered as an inferior quality meat.
Background
- In 1995, the bill was passed by the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government in the State Assembly. However, it was reserved by then Governor for Presidential assent under Article 201 of Constitution.
- Prior to law, slaughter of bulls and bullocks was allowed based on a fit-for-slaughter certificate under Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act of 1976.
- It should be noted that slaughter of cows was previously banned in the state under schedule 5 of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act of 1976.
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Month: Current Affairs - March, 2015