The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking a ban on cow slaughter and sale of beef and beef products in the state. Additional standing counsel Sanjay Ghose, appearing for the Aam Aadmi Party state government, said the petition was a publicity stunt and should be dismissed, reminding the Court that the Delhi Agricultural Preservation Act already existed and protected cattle. The bench comprising Chief Justice G Rohini and Jayanth Nath did not entertain the petition, calling it “misconceived”.

During the brief hearing, the bench also observed that it cannot issue any direction to enact a law and it is for the state and Central government to take the decision, the Press Trust of India reported. The plea, filed by Swami Satyananda Chakradhari, wanted the state government to enforce a law similar to the Ranbir Penal Code 1932, which states that cow slaughter was punishable with up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine. It also asked the government to set up rehabilitation homes for old cattle.