COWD DOWN: The Hindu Editorial on the need for stricter anti-lynching laws

Another disturbing and cowardly act which is now part of a pattern in most parts of North India, thrashed to death two tribal men In Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, alleged workers of Bajrang Dal on the suspicion that they are slaughtering cows. Apart from the tribal people, Muslims and Dalits in particular have had to bear the brunt of these senseless acts of mob violence and killings. reminds me of Dairy farmer Pehlu Khan murderedTwo men, Sampatlal Vatti and Dhansai Invati, were attacked by about 20 men after they and their sons were attacked by self-described “cow protectors” in April 2017 in Rajasthan; Both died of injuries. Police have arrested 13 people for their alleged involvement; According to family members, at least six of them were members of the Bajrang Dal. The police’s assertion that one of the dead was involved in a “cow slaughter” case has again shown where law enforcement’s priorities lie in such cases. In another pattern, there has been a certain sharpness in the implementation of cattle slaughter laws that has been missing in the effort to bring justice to those involved in the lynching mobs. Strict cattle slaughter laws have been enforced with a fervor that has less to do with animal protection and more to do with appeasement of majoritarian impulses to gain political support.

In 2005, the Supreme Court upheld a complete ban on cattle slaughter, relying on a detailed interpretation of the Directive Principles of State Policy and Articles 48, 48A and 51(a) of the Constitution, which protected the breeds used. tries to do. Agriculture and animal husbandry, in addition to promoting compassion for animals, expressly prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draft cattle. The verdict overturned an earlier ruling in 1958 in which the ban was limited to only “useful” cattle that are still engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. This interpretation only made it possible for state governments – especially those led by the BJP and its coalition partners – to come up with stringent laws on cow slaughter, and in the public sphere, to stigmatize communities such as Dalits, Muslims and tribals for their prepared the basis. Dietary habits and their dependence on animal products for livelihood. Four states (Rajasthan, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Manipur) had passed laws against lynching after several such incidents, but they were at various stages of implementation with the central government recognizing that lynching was a crime under the Indian Penal Code. is not a crime. While civil society in Madhya Pradesh must demand justice for injured and dead tribal men and a return to the rule of law in which such murderous acts are not spared, it is time for a judicial rethink on the law surrounding animal slaughter. Is.