Nehru's Protest Against the Bill of Cow Slaughter: A Historical Perspective

The historical context surrounding Nehru's protest against the bill of cow slaughter in the Lok Sabha is a testament to the deep-seated cultural values and the importance of the cow in Indian society. This article examines the rationale behind Nehru's position, the legal and constitutional implications, and the contemporary relevance of this issue.

The Context and Rationale

When the matter of cow slaughter was brought to the Lok Sabha, it was not merely a religious or moral issue. As early as the discussions in the Constituent Assembly, it became clear that the cow held significant economic importance for agriculture in India. This view was encapsulated in the Directive Principles of the Constitution, which aimed to guide the government in its policies towards social and economic development.

Nehru's Position

George Fernandes, in his book The Rise and Rise of Mandal, highlights how the cow was central to the agricultural practices of farmers in the then state of Bengal. The constitutional directive to protect the cow was rooted in the socio-economic reality that cows were crucial for fertilizer production and were traditionally seen as a form of wealth. Nehru's decision to threaten his resignation was a stance not just against the immediate offense of the bill but against any erosion of the constitutional principles that safeguarded the interest of the nation's agricultural landscape.

Evolution of the Issue

Over time, the issue of cow slaughter evolved from being a federal responsibility under the Directive Principles to a state subject. This shift in the scope of the issue highlights the complex interplay between national and state-level governance in India. From the time the directive principles were enshrined in the constitution, several Congress-led states decided to ban cow slaughter except in states like Kerala and the northeast. This gradual process reflects the cultural and political currents within the states.

The Recent Controversy

More recently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government came under scrutiny when Rajya Sabha member Subramaniam Swami sought to push a private member's bill on cow slaughter. This bill was deemed unconstitutional and not in the best interest of the country, primarily because it overstepped the constitutional boundaries by treating a state subject as requiring a federal mechanism. The government's decision to ask for the withdrawal of the bill underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between national directives and state autonomy.

Conclusion

The issue of cow slaughter and its constitutional implications remains a contentious topic in Indian politics. Understanding the historical backdrop and contemporary relevance requires a nuanced analysis of the socio-economic and cultural aspects as well as the legal and constitutional frameworks. Nehru's protest was instrumental in shaping the early direction of national policy, and the recent discussions on the same suggest that the debate continues to evolve with changing times.

Keyword: Nehru, Cow Slaughter, Lok Sabha, Directive Principles, Subramaniam Swami

References:

1. Fernandes, G. (2003). The Rise and Rise of Mandal. New Delhi: Harper Collins.

2. >Indian Constitution: Directive Principles of State Policy

3. Constitutional Status of Cow Slaughter

4. Subramaniam Swami's Bill on Cow Slaughter