Cattle slaughter in India refers to the slaughter and consumption of bovine species in the country. It is a controversial practice due to the revered status of cattle among adherents of Dharmic religions like Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.
Though it is an acceptable source of meat in Abrahamic religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, many Hindus abstain from consuming beef due to cattle's high regard in Dharmic divinity. The association reflects the importance of cattle in Hindu and Jain culture and spirituality, as cattle have been an integral part of rural livelihoods as an economic necessity across Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist societies, along with council-hoods in India. Cattle slaughter has also been opposed by various Indian religions because of the ethical principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and the belief in the unity of all life. Legislation against cattle slaughter is in place throughout most states and union territories of India.
