Udupi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment to the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, accusing the state government of weakening a law that has deterred illegal cattle transport. The organisation’s Go Raksha Wing, Karnataka South, has also announced district-level protests on December 8.

The existing law mandates a bank guarantee for securing the release of vehicles seized for alleged illegal cattle transportation.

On December 4, the state cabinet approved an amendment enabling the release of such vehicles on an indemnity bond instead. Addressing reporters in Udupi on Saturday, VHP leader and Prantha Goraksha Pramukh Sunil K R said the government’s move amounted to “sympathy for cattle lifters” and claimed it was part of broader actions that he alleged had “targeted Hindus”.

He argued that the law in its current form is stringent and has played a crucial role in reducing incidents of illegal cattle transport and theft. Under the Act, vehicles involved in offences can be surrendered and, upon conviction, permanently seized by authorities. “Diluting these provisions will embolden offenders,” Sunil said.

The VHP leader warned that easing the process of vehicle release would not only encourage violators but also result in rising cruelty against cattle.

He added that more robust measures should instead be directed toward supporting dairy farmers through better incentives and economic strengthening.

Sunil further claimed that the strict enforcement of the 2020 law had brought down cases of cattle-related offences significantly. Rolling back these provisions, he said, could reverse those gains and trigger an increase in illegal transport. He reiterated that the government must reconsider its decision and preserve the integrity of the existing law.