Ethical Conclusion

Knowing the polarization of this issue, ideally there should be a way in which all parties are able to benefit, protected and hold accountable. However, in order for a solution to take place there needs to be changes in policies and compromises. The government could change some of its policies on the beef band that does not jeopardize the religious freedom and practices of those who are not part of the upper-class Hindu religion. There has been a failure on the local authorities to enforce the constitutional and international human rights to protect minorities (Human Rights Watch 2019). As stated, there has been various violent incidents against minorities and the police have been complicit. They have been found guilty of stalling investigations, ignoring procedures and even taking part in the killings and cover-ups of crimes, and filing complaints against victims instead of investigating and arresting suspects (Human Rights Watch 2019).

As a result, the national and state governments should add pressure on the Supreme Court to take action in ensuring that there is proper investigations that will hold accountable the perpetrators no matter their religion and political connections. Also, the police and other institutions should be held accountable for not upholding the human rights of minorities because of religious prejudice. If possible, there should be a law created that does not permit “communal violence” and it supports the human right standards that would hold state officials liable for not stopping violence. In addition, those affected, should form a community in which they could propose recommendations on cattle protection and ensure that the laws or policies are being consistent with their human rights and livelihood.

These may not be quick solutions to this problem, but governmental action needs to take place to re-address the issue of cattle protection and how it is not only a human rights issue, but an environmental justice one as well. The government has enforced laws that do not protect people regardless of race, color and religion from environmental and health hazards. The streets have been overpopulated with stray cows that have been known to transmit zoonoses, vector-borne diseases, and occupational health hazards and environmental pollution and as well compromised animal welfare (Cooper 2016). This has also reinforced speciesism, where cows have been unequally prioritize for the benefit of the Hindu religion and jeopardizing the human and environmental rights and safety of others.

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Religious Aspect

Dietary Aspect

Monetary Aspect

Counter Argument