Not ‘Pashu' but ‘Jeevan Dhan' says President. But do our animal protection laws agree?

India Today

5 days ago

President Droupadi Murmu's recent statement at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) convocation calling the word 'pashu' (animal) 'inappropriate' and urging instead for the term 'jeevan dhan' (wealth of life) reflects a growing recognition of animals' vital role in Indian society. She emphasised that animals are not just resources but are integral to human life, culture, and the agricultural backbone of the country. Yet, this sentiment stands in stark contrast to the realities of India's animal protection laws, which remain woefully outdated and inadequate.advertisement"They make our life and planet beautiful. No one is more loyal and faithful than them. 'Pashu' is a mindset when someone is cruel. Doesn't fit for four-legged babies," said Neeru, an animal lover and feeder from Delhi."There is no harm in calling animals 'Jeevan Dhan' but with that we should also ensure the justice they deserve when subjected to cruelty. Using such a term implies deep respect and value, yet our laws do not reflect that sentiment meaningfully. Despite the immense food, support, companionship, animals provide in our daily lives, we continue to fail them when it comes to their protection," says Niharika Kashyap, Advocate and animal rights activist.
She also explains that this contradiction becomes even more apparent when we look at the legal framework. The transition from IPC 1860 Section 428 to BNS 2023 Section 325 has resulted in a mere copy-paste, with no meaningful amendment.advertisement"My entire childhood and adulthood have been full of love given to me by these fur babies. Where humans and humanity failed these babies stepped up for me and filled that void in my heart and gave me a purpose. Right to say, they are not pashu but life forces necessity for survival. Whether it is to cure depression or add another family member, these babies are the perfect fit. They enrich our lives, make us believe in humanity and expect almost nothing from us," says Khushboo Srivastava, an avid animal lover from Delhi now reciting in Canada.Lets deep down more and learn the legalities, loopholes and other major details:THE LEGAL STATUS QUO: A TOKEN FINE FOR TAKING A LIFEIndia's principal animal welfare legislation, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960, prescribes shockingly low penalties for cruelty, including killing an animal.The law's most infamous provision allows for a fine as little as Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 for acts of cruelty, including killing an animal, a sum unchanged for over six decades.Even though the earlier Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) criminalised the killing or maiming of animals, just like Section 325 of BNS criminalises, its impact is minimal.advertisementWhile the law allows for imprisonment of up to five years or a fine or both the monetary penalty can be as low as Rs 50.This outdated provision has effectively stripped the law of any real deterrent power, making it largely ineffective in preventing animal cruelty.PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SINCE 2022: A WAY FROWARD BUT NOT THERE YETAfter years of advocacy and public outcry, the government proposed amendments in 2022. The draft amendments suggest:Fines ranging from Rs. 750 up to Rs. 75,000, or three times the cost of the animal, for acts of cruelty.Imprisonment up to five years for severe offences, especially those resulting in an animal's death or permanent disability.Categorisation of cruelty into minor injury, major injury, and death, with penalties graded accordingly.Making offences cognisable, empowering police to act without a warrant.Statutory status for state animal welfare boards.The draft also introduces new sections specifically targeting gruesome cruelty and killing of animals, with penalties of Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 and jail terms of up to five years.However, these changes are still in the proposal stage. As of June 2025, the amendments have not yet been enacted. The government has invited public comments, but the legislative process is ongoing, and the old, ineffective penalties remain in force.advertisementBEYOND WORD: ARE SLOGANS AND POSTERS ENOUGH?Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's initiative to display 'Be Kind to Animals' slogans on public transport and construct animal overpasses on highways is a positive step for raising awareness and preventing roadkill in February 2025.However, awareness campaigns alone cannot substitute for robust legal deterrence. Without strict enforcement and meaningful penalties, slogans risk becoming mere token gestures.KEY LOOPHOLES AND CHALLENGESDespite the proposed reforms in 2022, several loopholes and systemic issues persist:The amendments have not been passed, so the archaic Rs. 50 penalty remains the legal reality.Even existing laws are poorly enforced, with hundreds of animal cruelty cases pending in courts.The law's focus on the animal's 'value' (Rs. 50 threshold) ignores the intrinsic worth of animal life and welfare.Proposed amendments allow exceptions for accidental deaths, self-defence, or 'acts of God,' which can be misused to escape liability.While posters help, there is insufficient education about animal rights and the consequences of cruelty, especially in rural areas.State animal welfare boards often lack the resources, authority, and statutory backing to enforce laws effectively.FROM JEEVAN DHAN TO LEGAL PROTECTIONPresident Murmu's call to recognise animals as 'jeevan dhan' is a powerful reminder of their importance. But until India's laws are updated and enforced with seriousness, animals will remain vulnerable to cruelty and neglect. Real change demands:Swift passage and implementation of the proposed amendmentsStronger enforcement and judicial sensitivity to animal cruelty casesPublic education campaigns that go beyond slogans to foster empathy and responsibilityInstitutional strengthening of animal welfare bodiesOnly then can India truly honour its cultural legacy of compassion and the president's vision where animals are not just 'pashu', but cherished as 'jeevan dhan' in both spirit and law.- EndsTrending Reel