The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has approved a proposal to amend the cow protection law and award jail terms ranging from six months to five years to those who indulge in violence in the name of cow vigilantism.

The proposal to amend the MP Cow Progeny Slaughter Prevention Act, 2004, was cleared at a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday.

The state government is likely to introduce the proposed amendment in the Assembly during the monsoon session that begins on July 8. If the amendment is cleared, those who indulge in violence in the name of cow vigilantism will face jail terms of six months to three years and also be liable to pay a fine of amounts ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000, the source said.

The punishment will be extended to a minimum of one year and a maximum five years in case a mob is involved. The proposed amendment also seeks to double the punishment for repeat offenders, the source said.