GS-2Editorials29 May 2026thehindu.com

Contradictions within India’s cow protection regime

The article critically analyzes India's cow protection laws, highlighting their ineffectiveness in increasing cow populations, their negative economic impact on farmers, and the political and historical context of cow reverence. It discusses constitutional provisions (DPSP, Article 48), judicial pronouncements (Mohd. Hanif Quareshi, K.S. Puttaswamy), and cattle census data to argue that stringent laws may be counterproductive and infringe upon individual rights.

The article critically analyzes India's cow protection laws, highlighting their ineffectiveness in increasing cow populations, their negative economic impact on farmers, and the political and historical context of cow reverence. It discusses constitutional provisions (DPSP, Article 48), judicial pronouncements (Mohd. Hanif Quareshi, K.S. Puttaswamy), and cattle census data to argue that stringent laws may be counterproductive and infringe upon individual rights.

Exam linkage

GS Paper II: Indian Polity - Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.

Syllabus mapping

This topic appears in Mains

Questions on Indian Polity & Governance come up regularly in GS papers. Practice writing an answer — and see exactly what earns marks.