"Stray Cattle Menace Has Gone Out Of Proportion, Do Something About It": Gujarat High Court To State

The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday orally asked the State Government to take some actions with regard to the stray cattle menace issue in the state by observing that the same has gone out of proportion.

"Yesterday, in Rajkot one defence personnel has been attacked and he is in a serious condition...This is what I saw on TV...This cattle menace issue has gone out of proportion. Do something for it, Mr. Advocate General," a bench led by Chief Justice Aravind Kumar said.

In response to this, the Advocate General for the State agreed with the bench's remark and assured that the state will take action in this regard.

Essentially, the bench is presently hearing a bunch of petitions raising the issue concerning the stray cattle menace in Ahmedabad and other major cities of Gujarat.

When the matter came up for hearing on Tuesday, the State sought an adjournment in the matter on the ground that it was considering suggestions put forth by advocate and party-in-person petitioner Amit Panchal, who has moved a contempt petition alleging non-implementation of Gujarat HC's order directing the state authorities to control the stray cattle menace issues.

Accepting AG's request for an adjournment, the Court posted the matter for further hearing on January 9.

It may be noted that in an earlier hearing in the matter, the High Court had asked the state and city administrations to ensure that stray cattle are not found on the streets in cities and in rural areas.

In October 2022, the Court had also taken note of the death of a man in Naroda after being hit by a cow. In fact, the High Court had made a stern remark that the efforts of the state government in tackling the stray cattle menace have largely remained on paper.