Transport of cattle: Delhi High Court seeks Centre, AAP government reply

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought reply of the Centre and the AAP government on a PIL 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 is pending before the Supreme Court.

The respondents sought dismissal of the public interest litigation (PIL) which sought directions to the authorities concerned to address the issue.
Taking note of which, the bench said the government should also put this fact in their affidavit.

The petitioners have claimed that cattle are being ferried in violation of the Transport of Animal Rules and the Prevention of Cruelty to?Animals Act and more than half of the animals die during the journey.

The plea has alleged that the Centre, the Delhi government and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) are turning a blind eye to the violations and has sought?directions to them to issue guidelines to address the issue.

The plea moved by two animal rights activists -- Saurabh Gupta and Gaurav Gupta -- have alleged that the trucks are filled three to six times beyond the legal limit and as a result 50 per cent of more of?such cattle die during every trip.

The petitioners, who are also members of NGO People for?Animals, have alleged that the police stations concerned where such crime is reported are not serious in registering FIR?or in taking action against the culprits.

They have sought issuance of guidelines to be followed by police in such cases.

The petition, filed through advocate Anupam Tripathi, has?also sought setting up of raiding teams to prevent and curb illegal transport of cattle.