Madhya Pradesh government gives a nod for proposal to criminalize cow vigilantism

In a first, the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has approved a proposal to criminalize cow vigilantism. 

According to the new proposal, engaging in violence under the garb of cow vigilantism against anyone charged under the anti-cow slaughter act will lead to a jail term from six months to five years. The proposal to amend the Madhya Pradesh Cow Progeny Slaughter Prevention Act, 2004, was cleared at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday, a source said.

READ | Haryana Congress Leader Shot Dead Outside Gym In Faridabad

State Animal Husbandry Minister Lakhan Singh Yadav also confirmed that the proposal to amend the cow slaughter prevention law has been cleared. The state government is likely to introduce the proposed amendment to the cow protection law before the state Assembly during its monsoon session beginning July 8.

Violence in the name of cow vigilantism will soon attract a jail term of six months to three years once the amendment is cleared. In addition, to curb these crimes, it has also been decided that a hefty fine will be brought in: 

"If the amendment is cleared by the Assembly, those who indulge in violence in the name of cow vigilantism would face a jail term of six months to three years and attract a fine of Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 or both." the source said.

READ | 'West Bengal Assembly Passed Resolution To Rename State To 'Bangla' Writes TMC MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray To Rajya Sabha, Asks Centre To Allow The Renaming

The punishment will be extended to a minimum of one- year and a maximum five years in case a mob is involved in such violence. The proposed amendment also seeks to double the punishment for repeat offenders, the source said. Other wrongdoings like damage to property will also be punishable. The development to tweak the 2004 law, cleared during the previous BJP government, has come following the thrashing of a Muslim man and a woman on suspicion of carrying beef in MP's Seoni district last month.

READ | Chidambaram's Close Aide & Congress South Chennai District Secretary Karate R Thiagarajan Suspended For 'anti-party Activities'