The Environment Ministry has changed the provision which could have made ritualistic slaughter of animals for food by different religious groups – halal by Muslims, jhatka by Hindus or Sikhs and kosher by Jews – an illegal act punishable with a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. Halal and kosher are distinct Muslim and Jewish practices of slaughtering animals for food, requiring animals to be fully conscious before being cut at the throat gently by a rapier or knife. In jhatka, animal is beheaded. Muslim organisations had protested at the original provision of bill, which allowed killing of an animal for human food but made causing unnecessary trauma, pain or suffering an offence for causing cruelty to animals.
“Islam does not permit cruelty to animals and prescribes a humane way to kill them for food,” said Asjad Madni, leader of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, defending halal. Muslim groups were backed by Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh. Asked for response Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said, “Muslims naturally have to follow mandatory religious practices in killing an animal for its meat. As and when the bill comes to us for our views, we will give an appropriate response.”