Cows Dead, Missing Hooves & Horns: P&H High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance, Seeks Chandigarh UT Response On Alleged Cruelty

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the reported death of nearly 50 cattle at a gaushala in Chandigarh's Raipur Kalan, following media reports highlighting alleged cruelty, neglect and illegal disposal of carcasses.

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu ans Justice Sanjiv Berry asked the UT administration to file a response.

Justice Sanjay Vashisth, while passing the initial order on January 16, had noted that almost all regional newspapers prominently reported that several cow carcasses were found inside the premises of an incineration plant at Makhan Majra, Chandigarh.

As per media reports, around 50 to 60 cattle were found dead under mysterious circumstances at the Raipur Kalan gaushala, which is stated to be run under the control of the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh. One report alleged that several carcasses were found mutilated, with eyes, hooves and horns missing, raising suspicion of foul play and illegal trafficking.

It was further highlighted that the Carcass Disposal Plant at Raipur Kalan, inaugurated on September 12, 2025 at a cost of ₹1.79 crore, had been lying non-functional for over a week, despite being covered under a five-year Annual Maintenance Contract. This allegedly resulted in a pile-up of carcasses. The media also reported pathetic living conditions of cattle housed at the gaushala.

According to reports published on January 16, an FIR was registered at Police Station Mauli Jagran on the complaint of the Gaushala Management Committee, Makhan Majra, under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, against unknown persons.

The complaint reportedly stated that due to lack of proper fodder, drinking water, medical care and adequate shelter, several cattle died. During an inspection conducted on January 13, the cattle were found suffering from cold, hunger and illness, with no veterinary doctor or treatment facility available.

Subsequently, the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh placed one Medical Officer of Health and one Inspector, Cattle Pound, Raipur Kalan, under suspension and terminated the services of several contractual staff, including a veterinary doctor, sanitary inspector, supervisor and multitasking staff. A magisterial inquiry was also ordered by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh.

Polythene Waste Angle

Referring to a report published by Chandigarh Bhaskar, the Court noted that post-mortem examination of nine cow carcasses revealed the presence of polythene bags and plastic waste in the stomach in at least seven cases, which was cited as the preliminary cause of death.

Justice Vashisth expressed concern that despite a ban on polythene use in Chandigarh, regulatory authorities had failed to enforce the law effectively, allowing open use of polythene bags that are often consumed by stray animals.

Taking serious note of the facts, the Court observed that law-enforcing agencies appeared to have turned a blind eye to violations, failing to create an atmosphere of discipline despite Chandigarh being known as a city of educated and responsible citizens.

Invoking its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution, the Court had then directed its Registry to register the matter as a PIL and place it before the Chief Justice.

The Court today issued notices to Raipur Kalan, Union of India, through the Secretaries of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment, Union Territory of Chandigarh, through its Deputy Commissioner Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, through its Commissioner.

The matter is now adjourned to March 09.

Title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION V/S UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

Appearance: Amit Jhanji senior standing counsel with Himanshu Arora appeared for UT Chandigarh