Scrap Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill / Act 2010 - Petitions

The maximum imprisonment for violating the provisions of the 1964 Act was 06 months whereas the 2010 Bill/Act prescribes imprisonment extending up to 07 years. It is this that has made people question the intentions of the State BJP (right wing) government as in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), imprisonment for such long terms is usually meant for crimes of a far more heinous nature.

The latest Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill / Act 2010 virtually equates the killing of a cow with the murder of a human. (It's only the economically weaker sections of the society who consume/eat beef in India.)

An offender may be imprisoned from 01-07 years and fined between Rs. 25,000-50,000 or Rs.1 lakh. Draws the lines - us and them, the beef-eaters and those who don't, the killers (bad ones) and the pious/good ones. Reinforces those lines with the draconian, absolute and brutal police power of the State behind one particular section. Removes any distinction between "cow" and "cattle".

Criminalises (1) slaughter of any cattle, irrespective of its age. (2) sale, usage and possession of beef. (3) sale, purchase or disposal of cattle for slaughter. (4) food habits of millions of people. Provides powers for search and seizure of any premises including vessels (utensils, containers & refrigerators) and motor vehicles.

Says police officials (even local sub-inspectors) have/had the authority to search and seize cattle. Imposes severe restrictions on even the cattle transportation or transport of cattle. Makes the offences cognisable and non-bailable.

Any perceived "abetment" of slaughter or attempt to slaughter will also be punishable. Empowers the police to barge inside any house / premises on the slightest suspicion of possessing cattle / beef. The onus of proving the innocence is on the accused.

Selectively and seemingly challenges and attacks the food habits and rights of a section of the population, since it does not mention ritualistic killing of cattle, notably buffalos that goes on with impunity in temples across Karnataka.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/scrap-anti-cow-slaughter-bill-act-2010(Fully featured condensed version created on Sunday, July 11, 2010) http://bit.ly/cBAOlJ

http://www.petitiononline.com/kacattle/ http://petol.org/kacattle (Partially featured condensed version created on Sunday, July 11, 2010)

http://www.petitiononline.com/cattleka/  http://petol.org/cattleka (Partially featured condensed version created on Friday, March 19, 2010)