Assam Assembly passes Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021

GUWAHATI: The Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021 has been passed in the Assam Assembly Budget Session 2021-22 today.

The bill was tabled by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Assam Assembly budget session 2021-2022.

About 75 amendments have been proposed in the controversial cattle bill.

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The Assam Cattle Preservation Bill proposes to ban cattle slaughter and the sale of beef in areas inhabited by communities who do not consume beef.

If valid documents are not made available to authorities, the new legislation will check the transport of bovines within the state or outside the state.

However, there will be no restrictions on ferrying cattle for agricultural purposes within a district.

Transporting cattle to and from registered animal markets for the purpose of sale and purchase within the district does not require permission, while the transportation of cattle from one district and outside the state will be considered illegal without proper documentation.

The law will cover the entire state of Assam, and the term "cattle" will include bullocks, cows,bulls, heifers, calves, buffalo calves, and male and female buffaloes.

Anyone found guilty shall face prison sentences for a term not less than three years or a fine of between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, or both.

Moreover, if a person convicted under the new law is found to be guilty of the same or a related offence a second time, the punishment will be doubled.