Gujarat government, by amendment No. 4/1994 in the Bombay Animal Husbandry Act, 1954, imposed a total ban on slaughter of cow progeny. This amendment was challenged in the Gujarat High Court, which in its April 4 last year's judgment observed that the amendment was unconstitutional and declared it void. As a result, the amended Act is not under implementation and so there is no ban on slaughter of bullocks and bulls above 16 years of age in government-recognised slaughter houses, says an official statement from the government.

The government has challenged the High Court decision in the Supreme Court in July last year. However, the Supreme Court did not give stay against the High Court order. So it has become inevitable for the government to implement the High Court order.

Details of the High Court judgement have been issued to concerned departments. But directions of the government will depend upon the Supreme Court judgement.

So it is not true that the ban has been lifted. Directions have been issued only to ensure the High Court's decision.