Cow slaughter continues unabated, Orissa HC orders appointment of a competent authority to enforce ban

The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to appoint a competent authority within three weeks to ensure strict enforcement of the Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960. The order came after it was revealed during a hearing that no such authority currently exists in the state.

The court’s intervention has triggered fresh debate over cattle slaughter and smuggling, which continue despite the 65-year-old law. Over the years, hundreds of cattle have been rescued from cramped trucks and vans, including 12 rescued in Sambalpur’s Sunapali area on Tuesday.

The state government informed the court that cow slaughter is completely banned under the 1960 Act and the Odisha Municipal Corporation Act, 2003. However, the law regulates slaughter rather than imposing a blanket ban, allowing it only with veterinary certification and away from residential areas.

“If the government gave as much importance to illegal cattle smuggling like helmet checking, then it would not have continued unabated. Whatever they have done till now, but they should at least work as per the directives of the High Court and impose a complete ban on cow slaughtering in this land of Lord Jagannath,” demanded Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Mahesh Sahoo. 

However, the Congress has targeted the government over the issue, urging it to prioritise the care and safety of abandoned cattle.

“In the recent flood, hundreds of cattle died due to a lack of food. They have nowhere to go due to the floods and are often spotted roaming around the streets. First, the government should take care of the stray cattle, and then make big claims,” stated OPCC Chief Bhakta Das.