Judgement of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Mohd. Hanif Quareshi & Others Vs State of Bihar dated 23/04/1958 regarding total ban on the slaughter of all categories of animal, of the species of bovine cattle.

Supreme Court after going through the issues have reached the following conclusions:

(i) that a total ban on the slaughter of cows of all ages and calves of cows and calves of she-buffaloes, male and female, is quite reasonable and valid and is in consonance with the directive principles laid down in Art. 48,

(ii) that a total ban on the slaughter of she-buffaloes or breeding bulls or working bullocks (cattle as well as buffaloes) as long as they are as milch or draught cattle is also reasonable and valid and

(iii) that a total ban on the slaughter of shebuffaloes, bulls and bullocks (cattle or buffalo) after they cease to be capable of yielding milk or of breeding or working as draught animals cannot be supported as reasonable in the interest of the general public.