The Karnataka state government in India decided Monday to promulgate an ordinance to bring the Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2020 into effect to curb the slaughter of cows in the state.

Earlier this month, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government introduced the bill before the state legislative assembly. The bill was passed but did not receive the approval of the legislative council. This led to the decision of promulgation of an ordinance.

Minister of State for Animal Husbandry Prabhu Chavan said, “Cow is the root of India’s culture, faith and farmers’ livelihood,” and that “BJP is committed to the protection of bovines.”

The current bill replaces the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964. This Act prohibited the slaughter of “any cow or calf of she-buffalo,” while the current bill imposes a total ban on the slaughter of “cow, calf of a cow and bull, bullock and he or she buffalo below the age of thirteen years.”

Violators of the law could face imprisonment ranging from three to seven years, and a fine ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 rupees. The ministers explained that the bill does not completely ban the consumption of beef, as the slaughter of buffalos above the age of 13 years is still permissible.

The bill is now being sent to the governor of the state for his approval.