THE Allahabad High Court Wednesday said the cow should be declared the national animal as it is a part and parcel of Indian culture.
The welfare of the country depends upon the welfare of the cow, the high court claimed, suggesting that the government bring in a law bringing the cow protection under the fundamental rights as mentioned in Part III of the Constitution.
"Fundamental rights are not only the prerogative of beef eaters but also of those who worship the cow and are economically dependent on them," the Court said.
A single-judge bench presided over by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav made these observations while rejecting bail to one Javed who was charged for offences under the Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act in Uttar Pradesh.
The judge also highlighted the poor functioning of gaushalas across the state, pointing out that while the government sets up cow shelters, it doesn't ensure the well-being of the animal.