Seeking to put to rest statewide protests regarding cow slaughter, Karnataka has decided to amend the law and make cow slaughter punishable with seven-year rigorous imprisonment.

The decision to amend the Cow Protection Act in the state was taken at a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Announcing the decision, Karnataka Home Minister V S Acharya said the proposal would go through legal channels before it is fully implemented.

The existing Cow Protection Act awards punishment of one year in jail and a fine of Rs 25,000. The fine amount has been enhanced to Rs 1,00,000 in the new proposal.

Besides this the cabinet has also decided to make cow slaughter a cognizable offence.

This decision has been taken in view of the large protests that have been occurring in the state, especially in Mangalore.