‘Sorry State Of Affairs’: Gujarat High Court Warns Of Contempt Action Against Officers Over Cattle Menace

The Gujarat High Court issued a stern warning to local authorities on Wednesday, expressing deep concern over the rampant cattle menace in the State. A division bench comprising Justices Ashutosh Shastri and Hemant M. Prachchhak indicated their intention to frame charges for contempt of court against the officers responsible for managing the cattle menace, describing the situation as 'a sorry state of affairs.'Justice Shastri, while highlighting the alarming ground reality, cited newspaper reports and a detailed investigation conducted by the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA), and remarked, “We would be constrained to take appropriate measures against the officers who are incharge of the department. We are making it very clear.”Justice Shastri, visibly concerned, described the ground situation as 'quite alarming,' pointing to the GSLSA's comprehensive report, which covered aspects like cattle menace control, parking and traffic management, and road conditions across all districts of the state. The report was compiled following directions by the High Court to the GSLSA in an order dated October 13. During the hearing, Manisha Lavkumar Shah, the government pleader representing the State, requested additional time to review the GSLSA report and formulate an appropriate response. She noted that it was only recently that the State designated officers responsible for managing the cattle menace, and it would take some time for their actions to manifest on the ground.Justice Shastri, however, declined her request, expressing disappointment at the lack of tangible progress.“We will be framing charges in view of this report. Practically no steps are taken and the situation is alarming,” he retortedThe Court order read, “When the matter is taken up for hearing, pursuant to previous order, Member Secretary, Gujarat State Legal Services Authority has prepared and placed on record a detailed report indicating the situation with regard to cattle menace, traffic, etc. Perusal of the report indicates that ground reality is quite different from what has been stated in the affidavits about the steps to control the situation”Appearance: Mr Amit M Panchal(528) For The Applicant(S) No. 1 G H Virk(7392) For The Opponent(S) No. 2 Mr Kamal Trivedi Ld. Advocate General Ms Manisha Lavkumar Shah Government Pleader For The Opponent(S) No. Case Title: Mustak Hussain Mehndi Hussain Kadri Versus Jagadip Narayan Singh, IAS Case No.: R/Misc. Civil Application (For Contempt) No. 979 Of 2019Click Here To Read/Download Order

‘Sorry State Of Affairs’: Gujarat High Court Warns Of Contempt Action Against Officers Over Cattle Menace

Bhavya Singh

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