SC extends Madras HC’s stay on cattle trade rules to entire nation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday made it clear that the interim order passed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras high court, staying the Centre’s May 23 notification banning sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter, will remain in force and be applicable throughout the country.

A bench of Chief Justice J.S. Khehar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud passed this order after additional solicitor general P.S. Narasimha, appearing for the Centre, informed the Bench that the rules in the present form would not be implemented as several stakeholders had raised objections, which were being considered.

He said a fresh notification incorporating the amendments would be issued by the end of August and all the concerns would be addressed.

The Madras HC had stayed the operation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Market) Rules as well as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, 2017, regulating the sale of bovine animals for slaughter.

Under these rules, the sale of animals for slaughter has been prohibited in any animal market. As the definition of animal market under Rule 2(b) covers all places of sale, a complete ban has been imposed on the trade of sale or purchase of animals for slaughter.

The Bench disposed of petitions filed by Hyderabad-based Mohammed Abdul Faheem Qureshi, advocate and President of All India Jamiatul Quresh Action Committee, and others seeking a declaration that the rules were unconstitutional and illegal.

The order said, “It is pointed out by the Centre that the issues under challenge are subject matter of fresh consideration and the authorities concerned are aware of it. A large number of representations have been received and the rules will be re-notified after appropriate changes. In view of the above, we find no justification to continue these petitions.”