New Delhi: Following close on the heels of Maharashtra, Haryana government could also ban the beef trade in the state. The state govt is mulling to bring a similar law with stricter punishment during the ongoing state Budget session.
Government is likely to put on a complete ban on sale and storage of beef in the state with provision for stringent action under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code which deals with punishment for murder.
Talking to reporters, Haryana Education Minister Rambilas Sharma said cows need to be protected and provisions should be made for their better care.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi really is hurt with the fact that despite cows being sacred in our religion and society, we are one of the largest exporters of beef," he added.
"Before Assembly elections, we had promised the people of Haryana to ban cow slaughter and beef in the state. If someone gets death sentence for killing a person then how can someone get away killing cows," he further said.
President Pranab Mukherjee approved the Maharashtra legislation which bans the sale and consumption of beef in the state. Under this law, anyone found selling beef or possessing it can be imprisoned for five years and fined Rs 10,000.
