In a significant judgment addressing the growing menace of stray cattle on Indian roads, the Supreme Court observed that society displays a striking contradiction in its treatment of cattle—abandoning them once their economic utility ends while simultaneously taking offence if they are used for food.

The Court made the observations while directing governments to take concrete measures to tackle stray cattle-related accidents and recommending that States create a compensation mechanism for victims.

A Bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh delivered the judgment in Nisha v. Municipal Council, Sangrur, while awarding compensation to the family of a man who died after being attacked by a stray bull.

"A Deeply Flawed Human World"

The Court observed that people who choose to rear animals should ideally take responsibility for their care throughout their lives.

"All those who have chosen to bring an animal home shall see to it that they are looked after for their whole life. But the reality is that we live in a deeply flawed, human world."

Highlighting what it described as a societal inconsistency, the Bench remarked:

"Perhaps it is a feature of this flawed world that, on the one end, we let them roam about without caring for their safety, and, on the other, find it deeply offensive if an individual uses them to secure a full stomach for himself or his family."

Stray Cattle Are Not "Natural Speed Breakers"

The Court noted that stray cattle have become a serious public safety concern across the country.

It observed that bovine-related accidents are no longer isolated incidents and criticised the continued presence of abandoned cattle on roads and highways.

In a strongly worded observation, the Bench stated:

"Cattle are not meant to be natural speed breakers, placed willy-nilly on the National Highways, roads and streets."

Referring to official data, the Court noted that over 1,300 people lose their lives every year in animal-related road accidents.

Economic Reality Cannot Justify Abandonment

The Court recognised that many farmers and dairy owners may lack the financial capacity to maintain cattle after they cease to be productive.

However, it held that financial hardship cannot justify abandoning animals on public roads.

Instead, owners who no longer wish to keep cattle should ensure their safe transfer to authorised shelters rather than leaving them unattended.

The Bench also distinguished between pets and livestock, observing that most cattle found wandering on roads are animals originally reared for economic purposes and abandoned after their productivity declines.

Existing Laws Poorly Implemented

The Court noted that 24 States have enacted laws regulating or prohibiting cattle slaughter, yet the provisions relating to cattle protection are often not effectively implemented.

It emphasised that governments must focus not only on legislation but also on proper enforcement to prevent stray cattle from becoming a public hazard.

Directions to Governments

To address the growing problem, the Supreme Court recommended that the Union and State Governments:

• Effectively implement existing cattle protection laws.
• Establish a compensation mechanism for victims of stray cattle accidents.
• Mandate tagging and digital identification of cattle.
• Hold owners accountable for safely transferring abandoned cattle to authorised shelters.
• Appoint nodal officers to supervise cattle tagging, maintain digital records and monitor the functioning of animal shelters.

The Court directed that a copy of its judgment be forwarded to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories for consideration and implementation of these recommendations.

Compensation Awarded

The observations came while deciding an appeal filed by the widow of a man who died after being attacked by a stray bull in Sangrur, Punjab, in 2007.

Allowing the appeal, the Supreme Court awarded ₹15 lakh as compensation and used the opportunity to issue broader directions aimed at addressing the nationwide problem of stray cattle.

The Court stressed that governments have a duty to protect both public safety and animal welfare, observing that abandoning cattle after their economic utility ends cannot be accepted as a solution.

Case Title: Nisha v. Municipal Council, Sangrur 

Representation:-

For Petitioner(s):- Mr. Aman Malik , AOR Mr. Ravi Prakash, Sr. Adv. Mr. Ali Khan, Adv. Mr. Taha Yashin, Adv.

For Respondent(s):- Mr. Sanchar Anand, Adv. Dr. Ravinder Kumar Anand, Adv. Mr. Apoorva Singhal, AOR Mr. Rajat Rathee, Adv. Mr. Aman Kumar Thakur, Adv. Mr. Pratimesh, Adv. Mr. Shadan Farasat, Aag, Sr. Adv. Ms. Nupur Kumar, AOR Ms. Sama Zehra, Adv.