Delhi High Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Against Withdrawal Of AWBI's Notification On Celebration Of February 14 As ‘Cow Hug Day’

The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to entertain a petition against the withdrawal of a notification issued by Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) for celebration of February 14 as “Cow Hug Day”.

Justice Prathiba M Singh observed that the celebration of any event by AWBI is within the domain of policy of the board and the government which cannot be interfered with in a petition under Article 226 of Constitution of India.

The notification was issued by the Board on February 06. However, it was later withdrawn on February 10.

The petition was moved by one Kolisetty Shiva Kumar, who said he is former member of Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam Board and Chairman of a spiritual organization in Hyderabad.

Kumar had sought implementation of the notification issued on February 06 and setting aside of its withdrawal on February 10 “for promotion and protection of cows in the country.”

Refusing to entertain the petition, Justice Singh said:

“The celebration of any event by AWBI clearly is within the domain of policy of board and government. The same cannot be interfered with in a petition under Article 226.”

During the course of hearing, the court told petitioner’s counsel: “How can the court tell them that you celebrate cow hug day on a particular day?”

Kumar in the petition said the notification was issued after duly obtaining the approval of competent authority and on the direction of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. However, it was submitted, that the Board withdrew it without specifying any valid reason.

“After several representations by the Petitioner and similarly situated persons, organizations, the Union of India declared 14th February as 'Cow Hug Day' to propagate the need of being friend with the Indian cows and animals. This initiative was well received by various sections of the country,” the plea read.

Title: KOLISETTY SHIVA KUMAR v. ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD OF INDIA & ANR

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 201