The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought replies from the Central and the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi governments on a public interest litigation alleging that cattle meant for slaughter were subjected to cruelty as they were transported in overloaded trucks.
A Bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal directed the Ministries concerned of both the governments to file an affidavit by May 9. During the proceedings, the court was informed that an identical issue was pending before the Supreme Court.
The respondents sought dismissal of the PIL, which sought directions to the authorities concerned to address the issue. Taking note of this, the Bench said the governments should also put this fact in their affidavits. The petitioners have claimed that the cattle are being ferried in violation of the transport of animal Rules and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. They added that more than half the animals die during the journey.
The plea, which has alleged that the Centre, the Delhi government and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) are turning a blind eye to the violations, has sought directions for issuing of guidelines to address the issue.
Beyond legal limit
The plea, moved by animal rights activists Saurabh Gupta and Gaurav Gupta, has alleged that the trucks are filled three to six times beyond the legal limit. As a result, 50% of the cattle die during every trip.
The petitioners, who are also members of non-government organisation People for Animals, have alleged that the police stations concerned, where such crimes are reported, aren’t serious about registering a first information report or taking action against the culprits. The petition, filed through advocate Anupam Tripathi, has also sought setting up of raiding teams to prevent and curb illegal transport of cattle.
