The Supreme Court stays a directive of the Madras High Court that prohibits cow and calf slaughter in Tamil Nadu. The apex court issues an interim order while it hears a petition filed by the state government challenging the high court’s ruling. NDTV reports the stay is secured by the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay, which argues that the High Court’s judicial direction conflicts with existing state legislation. The state contends that the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958, allows slaughter of certain categories of cows under specified conditions, including slaughter of cows above 10 years of age that are certified unfit for work or breeding, and that such slaughter can be carried out in designated places. The Supreme Court’s interim stay keeps the High Court’s ban from taking effect during the pending proceedings. The matter is connected to the timing around Bakrid, as described in the reporting, and the Supreme Court continues to consider the state’s challenge.