Supreme Court stays Madras High Court order banning cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu

The Supreme Court of India has stayed the enforcement of a Madras High Court order that sought to implement a total ban on the slaughter of cows and calves throughout Tamil Nadu. The Bench reviewed a challenge to the regional court's May 27 decision, which had unilaterally prohibited the practice across the state.

During the hearing, the apex court noted that the High Court's blanket ban required further legal examination regarding constitutional interpretations and state-specific animal husbandry laws. This stay allows for the resumption of previous livestock regulations while the higher court scrutinizes the validity of the original directive.

Advocates representing the petitioners argued that the blanket ban would have significant economic repercussions for the farming community and leather industries in the region. The Supreme Court has now put the High Court's instructions on hold pending a final judgment on the matter.

Source: Madras High Court order and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings.