To

Mr. Gopal Rai

Hon’ble Minister

Government of NCT of Delhi                                                                                      08.04.2016

 Subject: Follow-up on Memorandum regarding review of the Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994, dated 07.01.2016

Dear Sir

Peoples Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) is a Delhi based civil liberties organisation working since 1977. We are writing to follow up on our Memorandum dated 07.01.2016 regarding amendments to the Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994 (the Act), for which we had also met with you in your office on the same day. The Memorandum is enclosed with this letter.

In light of incidents of killing, harassment and vigilanteism over the possession, consumption and inter-state transport of beef, the Memorandum had made the following demands:

1. Removal of ban on possession, consumption and transport, through repeal/amendment of the Act.

2. Treat violations under the Act as civil wrongs, inviting proportionate penalties, instead of criminal offences, with powers of imprisonment, search/seizure and denial of life and liberty.

Since then, rising communal sentiments in the country have made the issue of possession, consumption and trade in beef even more contentious, which demands urgent action.

You will remember that on 07.01.2016, you had kindly agreed to forward our memorandum for review and amendment of the Act to the concerned Commissioner for consideration. We would greatly appreciate if you could share with us the action taken on the Memorandum.

Yours sincerely

Deepika Tandon and Moushumi Basu

Secretaries,

Peoples Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: Deepika Tandon- 9873868307