The Madhya Pradesh government is cracking down on illegal transportation of cows and cow meat, introducing stringent measures to curb these activities. Under the new regulations, any vehicle involved in the illegal transport of cows or cow meat will be directly confiscated by authorities. District collectors have been given the authority to take immediate action against such offenses, a power they did not previously possess.
The enforcement of these new regulations comes after the Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act 2024 received approval from the Governor. With this approval, the Act has officially come into force across the state. The state government has issued a formal notification to this effect, solidifying the law's status.
The MP Cow Slaughter Prohibition Bill 2024, initially introduced in the last session of the Assembly, was passed by the House and subsequently sent to the Governor for approval. With the Governor's consent, the bill has now become law.
Earlier only courts had authority
A significant change in the new law is the empowerment of district collectors. Previously, only the courts had the authority to order the confiscation of vehicles involved in illegal cow transportation. The process required police to bring cases before the court, where a judge could decide whether to seize the vehicles.
This often resulted in delays, allowing illegal activities to continue unabated. Recognizing this loophole, the government has now granted collectors the power to act swiftly, enabling more immediate enforcement.
Focus on Border Districts
The issue of illegal cow transportation is particularly prevalent in Madhya Pradesh's border districts. Regions adjoining Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan have reported a higher incidence of these activities. Districts like Betul, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, and Burhanpur have seen frequent cases of cows being smuggled across state lines, often destined for slaughterhouses in neighboring states. This illegal trade is a lucrative business for smugglers, who often operate with the collusion of local elements.
New law aims to disrupt smugglers' network
The new law aims to disrupt this network by making it more difficult for smugglers to transport cows across borders. By allowing district collectors to confiscate vehicles immediately, the government hopes to curb these illegal activities and send a strong message to those involved.
Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to empower collectors with the authority to confiscate vehicles involved in illegal cow transportation marks a significant step toward tightening enforcement under the Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act. This move is expected to have a substantial impact, particularly in the border regions where such activities have been rampant.
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