The Supreme Court refuses an urgent hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks a complete ban on cow slaughter. The petition asks the court to direct enforcement of existing anti-slaughter laws, arguing that such measures are needed to protect cows and their progeny. According to reports, the court does not take up the matter immediately for hearing at this stage. The submissions also bring attention to related public debate around cow slaughter and protections for cows. In parallel, some Muslim organisations have backed calls to declare the cow a national animal, with supporters saying the move could reduce political exploitation and violence associated with cow slaughter. While the PIL focuses on enforcing anti-slaughter provisions and expanding protections through a full ban, the court’s decision at this point is limited to declining an urgent hearing rather than ruling on the merits of the petition. The case therefore remains pending, with next steps to be decided by the court.