MOHD. HANIF QUARESHI & OTHERS vs THE STATE OF BIHAR(and connected petition)

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Bihar Preservation and Improvement of Animals Act, 1955, the U.P. Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955, and the C.P. and Berar Animal Preservation Act, 1949, stating that these acts impose a reasonable total ban on the slaughter of cows and calves as per Article 48 of the Constitution. The Court ruled that such bans do not infringe upon the fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 25, as they align with the directive principles of state policy. However, the Court invalidated the total ban on slaughtering cattle that are no longer capable of yielding milk or working as draught animals, as it was not in the public interest.