<span style="color: #222222;">Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2020, was passed in the state Legislative Assembly yesterday amid protests by the Opposition. The Bill will now go to the Legislative Council, the upper house, for approval. Once passed the slaughter of cattle, smuggling, illegal transportation and atrocities on cows will be a cognizable offence and will attract three to seven years of imprisonment and a fine that shall not be less than 50,000 rupees, extendable up to 5 lakh rupees.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> <br />''A second and subsequent offence will attract a fine not less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to 10 lakh rupees along with imprisonment which may extend to seven years. A police officer of sub-inspector or higher rank, or a competent authority has the power of search and seizure, if they have reason to believe that an offence under this Act has been committed.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> <br />''The Bill also recommended constituting special courts for the purpose of speedy disposal of disputes under this Act. Opposing the Bill, Congress members trooped into the well of the House yesterday and have boycotted the concluding day of the Assembly session today.</span><br />''  <br />