Goa, July 13 -- The Supreme Court on Monday stayed a Madras High Court order that directed the Tamil Nadu government to ensure no cow or calf is slaughtered in the state on Bakrid or any other day, observing that the High Court's directions required "correction."

A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the respondents after the Tamil Nadu government challenged the May 27 order, arguing that it imposed a blanket ban beyond what is permitted under the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958.

The state government contended that the High Court's directions were inconsistent with the law, which allows cow slaughter under limited circumstances. Under Section 4 of the Act, cattle may be slaughtered if...