Lucknow, May 17 -- The Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has enforced one of the country's strictest legal frameworks for cow protection and cattle welfare, with the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, emerging as a key pillar of its policy. Implemented on June 11, 2020, the law is being projected by the government as a reflection of its commitment to curbing cow slaughter and cattle smuggling across the state.

Before 2017, concerns were frequently raised over illegal slaughter, cattle smuggling networks, and the condition of stray cattle in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. After assuming office, the Yogi government treated cow protection as a governance issue and introduced stricter legal and administrative measures.

The original Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act was enacted in 1955, but the amended law introduced in 2020 significantly enhanced penalties. Under the revised provisions, any person found guilty of cow slaughter or attempting it can face rigorous imprisonment ranging from three to 10 years along with a fine between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh. Repeat offenders can face double punishment.

The law also criminalises cruelty towards cattle. Failing to provide food or water to cows, injuring them, or abandoning them in life-threatening conditions can attract imprisonment from one to seven years and fines between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 3 lakh.

The Act further provides for confiscation of vehicles used in illegal transportation of cattle and makes offences non-bailable. Authorities can also publicly display photographs of absconding accused persons.

According to government figures, nearly 36,000 accused involved in cow slaughter and cattle smuggling cases were arrested between 2017 and 2025. Action under the Goonda Act was taken against 13,793 accused, while 14,305 cases were registered under the Gangster Act.

Additionally, 178 accused were booked under the National Security Act, and properties worth over Rs 83.32 crore were confiscated.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.