Can't invoke anti-slaughter law in case of mere illegal cattle transportation: SC
The Supreme Court of India ruled that police cannot automatically apply anti-cattle slaughter laws to cases involving the illegal transportation of cattle. The court emphasized that the prosecution must prove an intent to slaughter, as illegal transport alone does not constitute sufficient evidence for such charges.
Why it matters
This ruling limits the power of vigilante groups and law enforcement to use strict slaughter laws as a tool for harassment in cases of simple transport violations.
NEW DELHI: At a time when vigilante groups are active in stopping cattle smuggling purportedly to prevent slaughter, the Supreme Court has ruled that the police cannot presumptively invoke stringent provisions of anti-cattle slaughter laws against people for mere illegal transportation of bovine animals.Acquitting a person convicted by a trial court and Chhattisgarh HC for illegally transporting 32 bulls under Chhattisgarh Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 2004, a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran said police have failed to establish the intention of the accused that cattle were being…
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