The Union government is currently not considering any proposal to declare the cow as India’s national animal or impose a nationwide ban on cow slaughter, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has said.
Speaking to PTI, Meghwal clarified that although demands for cow protection and a nationwide ban on slaughter continue to be raised by different groups, no such proposal is under discussion at the Union Cabinet level.
“As of now, there is no such matter before us that is under consideration of the Cabinet. If at any point a proposal reaches a stage where it warrants a government decision or Cabinet consideration, we will inform you,” Meghwal said.
Demands Continue From Different Groups
The minister said organisations and individuals frequently approach Members of Parliament and the government with requests related to granting special status to cows or banning slaughter.
“Various organisations keep working on these issues and approach MPs as well. People submit applications and make representations saying such a measure should be taken,” he said.
However, Meghwal stressed that these demands have not yet reached a stage where the Centre is considering policy action.
“It is an issue that people keep bringing up. Efforts are being made by those advocating it, and discussions keep happening. But at present, it is not at a stage where a decision-making process has begun at the government level,” he added.
Cow Slaughter Laws Differ Across States
The Union minister noted that laws related to cow slaughter vary from state to state and are often framed according to local conditions and legal considerations.
“Different states take decisions on such matters based on their own circumstances and merits,” Meghwal said.
His remarks come amid renewed public discussion around cow protection, particularly ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with some Muslim organisations and clerics also supporting restrictions on cow slaughter.
Muslim Leaders Also Back Proposal
Several Muslim clerics and organisations have recently supported demands to declare the cow a national animal and prohibit cow slaughter nationwide, arguing that it could help reduce communal tensions around the issue.
Maulana Arshad Madani, chief of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, has backed the proposal, saying such a move may help reduce disputes linked to cow slaughter.
Former Vice President of India Hamid Ansari has also expressed support for considering the idea if it helps address recurring tensions. He had earlier urged Muslims to avoid cow sacrifice, saying Islam does not mandate sacrificing a specific animal.
Similarly, Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, a senior executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, supported the demand, saying it would reflect respect for the religious and cultural sentiments associated with cows among many Hindus.
