The Government of Assam has brought in amendments to The Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021, which regulates the transportation, slaughter, and sale of cattle, beef, and beef products. The Bill was passed in the House earlier this year in August.
Aim to make the Act more strict
According to the state government, the amendments are aimed at making the Act more stringent in regard to the investigation methods to reduce the utilization of cattle for animal husbandry and agricultural purposes.
Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on behalf of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the bill in the House.
In the amendments, new provisions were proposed for investigation procedures in cattle smuggling-related incidents.
Relaxation in inter-district transportation of cattle
The amendments however relaxed inter-district transportation of cattle for animal husbandry and agricultural purposes but prohibited the transportation of cattle to any district within the state that has an international boundary.
Moreover, it also sought approval for auctioning the seized vehicles, boats, vessels, and others except for cattle, after being produced before the appropriate court during the trial.
The amendment also sought permission for the investigation officer to attach or seize papers relating to moveable and immovable property acquired by an accused or his/her family members under the principal act within six years prior to the registration of the case.
