The Supreme Court stayed a Madras High Court order directing the Tamil Nadu Government to ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered anywhere in the state.

A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the interim order while hearing a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu Government challenging the High Court’s order dated the 27th of May. The High Court had directed the State authorities to ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered in Tamil Nadu either on the eve of Bakrid or on any other day.

In its petition, the State Government contended that the High Court’s order was contrary to the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958. The Act permits the slaughter of cows above 10 years of age that are unfit for work or breeding, subject to a certificate issued by the competent authority.