On Monday, the division bench of the Supreme Court has held that the decision of the prohibition of cow slaughter is for the law making body.

Further the bench held that the court cannot force the legislature to come out with a specific law even in its writ jurisdiction.

The division bench headed by Justices Abhay S. Oka and Sanjay Karol also took note that the State government is taking steps for the protection of cows.

In the said matter, the Court was hearing an appeal challenging NGT’s decision which declined a plea seeking a specific direction for the prohibition of cow slaughter.

“We may observe that this is something which is for the competent legislature to decide. Even in writ jurisdiction, this Court cannot compel the legislature to come out with particular legislation. Ultimately, it is for the appellant to persuade the legislature. “  the bench said.

In appeal against the same, the top court had issued notice to the State governments in 2019, and over the course of hearings since then learnt of the steps taken by various States regarding the issue.

The appellant contended that a cow slaughter ban would benefit a large population of India.

The top court did not find force in such a submission and upheld the NGT order.

The Court clarified that the petitioner can make necessary representations to concerned authorities towards steps needed for protecting critically-endangered indigenous livestock species.