HC raps UP over flood of false cases under cow law

Lucknow: Allahabad high court’s Lucknow bench has pulled up Uttar Pradesh govt over what it called a “flood” of false cases under the law against cow slaughter, stressing that transporting cattle within the state does not amount to a crime.Citing earlier rulings, court said even preparing to slaughter cattle is not punishable under the UP Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955. The bench also sought a govt response on measures to curb mob violence and vigilantism linked to cow protection.The judges issued the order on Oct 9 while hearing a petition alleging police harassment after a vehicle was found transporting nine cows. The petitioner said he had no intent to slaughter the cattle and that his driver was merely ferrying them.

The bench found the animals were neither injured nor killed.Ordering that no coercive action be taken in the case, the court nevertheless allowed the investigation to continue and directed him to cooperate with police. The high court bench said courts were “deluged” with cases based on FIRs filed “left and right” under the law. Such cases waste petitioners’ money and the court’s time, it added.The court directed principal secretary (home) and state DGP to file personal affidavits on steps being taken to curb misuse of the law. HC also asked what action was being initiated against complainants and police officers responsible for such false cases. tnn