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In the bustling heart of the nation’s capital, an extraordinary act of compassion has sparked a conversation about faith, tradition, and animal welfare. Chartered accountant Vivek Jain, 30, and his friends were decided to save goats. They were unhappy with the sight of goats on the streets, destined for slaughter on the occasion of Bakrid. Moved by their plight, Jain and his group raised around Rs 11 lakh to rescue 124 goats. to save these goats Jain boys dressed up as Muslims to buy goats.
“This is a powerful Jain mantra to bring peace and positivity,” Jain explained in a media interview. “These goats are afraid because they think they have been gathered for slaughter. They don’t know we have given them a new lease of life.”
On Sunday, the historic Dharam Pura Jain Temple in Old Delhi became a sanctuary of hope and relief. Devotees gathered and collectively raised Rs 11 lakh, rescuing an additional 127 goats from being slaughtered. The temple grounds were abuzz with energy akin to the bustling goat markets ahead of Eid, but here, the excitement was about saving lives.
In the heart of Chandni Chowk, it was a unique day for many Jain families who came to see the goats they helped save. People flocked to the temple, some donating money for the goats’ fodder, others proudly petting them, and many extolling the virtues of their religion.
The initiative quickly gained traction online, with the hashtag “Jain” trending on X. Praise poured in from all quarters, making the otherwise modest Jain temple a focal point of admiration and discussion. The temple’s actions resonated across religious lines, capturing the attention of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike.
This act of compassion has not only saved hundreds of goats but also highlighted the Jain principles of non-violence and kindness, bringing these age-old values to the forefront of modern discourse.
On a global scale, it is estimated that millions of animals are slaughtered each year during Bakraid. However, reports suggest that globally, over 100 million animals, primarily goats, sheep, and cows, are sacrificed to commemorate the festival.
National Perspective: India
In India, where Muslims constitute around 19 per cent of the population, the number of animals slaughtered during Eid al-Adha is also substantial. it is estimated that several million animals are sacrificed across the country each year. This figure reflects the significant Muslim population in states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Maharashtra, where the festival is widely observed.
Local Perspective: Delhi
In Delhi, the number of animals slaughtered during Bakraid is notably lower compared to the national figures but still considerable given the city’s large Muslim population. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of goats, sheep, and other animals are sacrificed in Delhi alone during the festival. This number highlights the city’s active participation in the religious observance and the cultural significance of the practice.
Laws Governing Animal Slaughter in India
In India, the slaughter of animals is regulated by various laws and acts to ensure humane practices and compliance with religious sensitivities. Here is an overview of the key legal frameworks governing animal slaughter in India:
1. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
This act is the primary legislation aimed at preventing the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals. It lays down guidelines for the treatment of animals and prohibits certain practices considered cruel.
Section 11: Defines and prohibits cruelty to animals, including practices during slaughter.
Section 28: Allows the killing of animals for religious purposes, thus permitting sacrifices during festivals like Eid al-Adha.
2. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
This act governs the standards for food products, including meat, to ensure they are safe for consumption.
Regulations: Meat production and processing facilities must adhere to hygiene and sanitary conditions as prescribed under this act.
3. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001
These rules, notified under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, specifically address the conditions in which animals can be slaughtered in slaughterhouses.
Rule 3: Requires a certificate from a veterinary doctor confirming the animal is fit for slaughter.
Rule 6: Mandates humane handling and proper stunning of animals before slaughter.
Rule 8: Specifies the construction and hygiene standards for slaughterhouses to prevent cruelty.
4. The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
Certain sections of the IPC can be applied to cases of cruelty against animals.
Section 428 and 429: Punish the killing or maiming of animals with imprisonment and fines.
5. Municipal Corporation Acts
Local municipal laws also regulate animal slaughter within their jurisdictions, often specifying the locations and conditions under which slaughter can occur.
Delhi Municipal Corporation Act: For instance, specifies the regulation and control of slaughterhouses in Delhi.
Slaughter on Religious Occasions
India’s laws recognize the significance of religious practices and often provide exemptions for animal slaughter conducted for religious purposes.
Now you must be thinking if we have these laws than why no actions against goat slaughter. Now here comes Religious exemptions.
Eid al-Adha
Religious Exemption: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, particularly under Section 28, allows the slaughter of animals in a manner required by the religion of any community.
Municipal Guidelines: Specific guidelines may be issued by local authorities to manage and regulate the slaughter during religious festivals to ensure public health and safety.
Number of Muslims are living in Delhi
As per media reports, more than one millions muslims are living in delhi. As per latest census, Hindu are majority in Delhi state. Hinduism constitutes 81.68% of Delhi population. In all Hindu form majority religion in 9 out of 9 districts of Delhi state. The data for 2023 & 2024 is under process and will be updated in few weeks.
Muslim Population in Delhi – Delhi NCR is 21.59 Lakhs (12.86 percent) of total 1.68 Crore. Christian Population in Delhi – Delhi NCR is 1.46 Lakhs (0.87 percent) of total 1.68 Crore.
Delhi is home to a significant Muslim population, with more than one million Muslims residing in the city according to recent media reports. As per the latest census, Hindus are the majority in Delhi, constituting 81.68% of the population. Hinduism is the predominant religion in all nine districts of Delhi. Updated population data for 2023 and 2024 is expected in the coming weeks.
The Muslim population in Delhi NCR stands at 21.59 lakhs, making up 12.86% of the total 1.68 crore population. Christians in Delhi NCR number 1.46 lakhs, or 0.87 per cent of the total population.
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