Home The Constitution Part IV Article 48

Art. 48 Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy

Organisation of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

Exact text — Constitution of India

The State shall endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article directs modernising India's agriculture and animal husbandry sector scientifically, and specifically calls for protecting cow and cattle breeds and working towards prohibiting slaughter of cows, calves and other milch/draught cattle — a provision reflecting both economic (agricultural productivity) and cultural/religious considerations, and one of the more politically and socially significant Directive Principles in contemporary debate.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article is the constitutional basis several states have relied on for cow slaughter prohibition or restriction laws — a genuinely active area of state legislation and litigation, with different states taking different approaches within this Directive Principle's broad guidance.

Landmark Cases

How courts have interpreted this Article

State of Gujarat v. Mirzapur Moti Kureshi Kassab Jamat(2005) 8 SCC 534 — Upheld a Gujarat law imposing a total ban on cow slaughter (including of cattle no longer useful for milk or draught purposes), citing this Article and reversing an earlier, narrower ruling on the same question. Verify this case

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 48

Is cow slaughter banned nationwide in India?

No — it's a State List subject, so laws vary significantly by state, ranging from a complete ban to more limited restrictions, all drawing on this Directive Principle as their constitutional backdrop.

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The text above reproduces Article 48 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.