Beef Ban

Beef ban has been one of many topics which have been continuously raised in the country asking whether it is constitutionally valid or not. Many people believe that this ban was passed due to religious sentiments of one religion over other. But people forget that our constitution has not made on basis of religion.

The beef ban was passed in 1995 by Maharashtra government. The reason was decrease in number of cows, she-buffalo, bullocks and other cattle animals which made them endangered. After Maharashtra many other states followed the suit. The problem with this certificate is that it says, “A cow can be slaughtered for beef if it becomes economically invalid”. But due to progress of technology and wide use of biogas makes cattle economically valid. Also, the prohibition of beef is constitutionally valid under 3 articles. First article is article 48 which says that an animal or other natural resource is to be preserved if it is useful in scientific process, but this article does not give power to completely ban beef. There is also a state article- Article 256, 15th entry, which says protection of natural resources if they are economically valid in any way. Article 51G says that “It is the duty of every citizen to protect and show comparison towards other living things.” This article gives government power in beef ban.

So these above articles makes beef ban constitutionally valid? This maybe more of a topic as it is a person’s perspective and this is my point of view which makes me think beef ban is constitutionally valid.