In an important decision, the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court has expressed the need to declare cow as a protected national animal. The court said that the central government should take an effective decision to stop cow slaughter in the country.
A single bench of Justice Shamim Ahmed dismissed the petition of UP Cow Slaughter Prevention Act accused Mohd. The petitioner was arrested by the police with beef. In this case, by filing a petition, the court was requested to end the case proceedings.
The court said that with respect to all religions in the country, Hindus have faith and belief in cow as the representative of God. As such it should be protected. In Hindu religion, cow is considered the most sacred of animals. It is also worshiped in the form of Kamdhenu, the fulfiller of all wishes. Its feet, the four Vedas, the breast are considered to be the symbol of four Purusharths in the form of Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha.
It is said that apart from the religious importance mentioned in Manusmriti, Mahabharata, Ramayana from the Vedic period, the cow and its progeny have a wider economic importance as well. Up to Panchgavya is made from the substances obtained from the cow. That is why cow donation has been called the best in Puranas.
There is also a description of gifting cows in the marriage of Lord Rama. The court said that there is a continuous demand for the protection of cattle in the country. Therefore, while deciding to ban cow slaughter, the Government of India can declare mother cow as a protected national animal in the country.