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Gujarat: Court cites Vedas while awarding life term to 3 in cow slaughter case

Gujarat: Court cites Vedas while awarding life term to 3 in cow slaughter case

A court in Gujarat sentenced three people to life imprisonment in a cow slaughter case while citing sacred texts from the Vedas. The sessions court delivered the verdict convicting the accused for the illegal slaughter of cows in the state. The court held that prayers and rituals mentioned in the Vedas emphasize protecting cows and that causing harm to them brings severe spiritual and moral consequences. The judgment noted that protecting cattle is essential for environmental balance and social harmony under traditional beliefs. Following the conviction and sentencing, the individuals were taken into custody to begin their life terms, while authorities stated that monitoring of illegal cattle transport and slaughter would continue strictly across the region to enforce legal prohibitions.

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From the Library

  • Page 1 of Request to stop illegal transportation and slaughtering of animals, and promotion of humane treatment of animals – dated 05.10.2026

    Circular

    Request to stop illegal transportation and slaughtering of animals, and promotion of humane treatment of animals – dated 05.10.2026

    The Animal Welfare Board of India issued a directive under file number AC-02003/2/2025-AWBI requesting an end to unlawful animal transport and butchery, while urging better care for animals. The board addressed this communication to the Director of the Animal Husbandry Department of all the States and UTs, the Member Secretary of State Animal Welfare Boards of all the States and UTs, and the Commissioner of Municipal Corporations of all the districts in all the States and UTs. The authorities were asked to take all precautionary measures for strict implementation of the animal welfare laws to stop illegal transportation and killing of animals.

  • Page 1 of Request to stop illegal transportation and slaughtering of animals, and promotion of humane treatment of animals dated – 14.09.2026

    Circular

    Request to stop illegal transportation and slaughtering of animals, and promotion of humane treatment of animals dated – 14.09.2026

    The Animal Welfare Board of India issued a circular requesting an end to the unlawful transport and slaughter of animals. The notification also urged the humane treatment of animals, noting that large numbers of animals are illegally transported and slaughtered for food especially during festivals. The Animal Welfare Board of India stated that owner negligence during transport leads to cruelty and even death, which constitutes a punishable offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The document bears file number AC-02003/2/2025-AWBI.

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