GO Issued Making Provision For Establishment Of 'Goshala' In Each District For Stray Animals: Govt Informs Karnataka High Court

A division bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice S R Krishna Kumar were informed that, "The State Government has issued a government order making provision for establishment of the 'Goshala' in each district. A budget provision allocation has been done in the current budget for that purpose."

Following which the court directed the government advocate to file a fresh affidavit bringing on record the government order as well as the plan for establishment of 'Goshala' in each district.

In its order dated January 14, the court had directed the State government to inform whether it has notified any scheme for the welfare of stray animals. The Court had also inquired whether the state government is contemplating to establish goshalas in each taluk of the state to protect these stray animals and also help the farmers from protecting their crops from these stray animals.

The bench had observed, "Because these stray animals damage crops. There is a necessity that the state government must come out with some scheme. On one hand they say cows should be protected and there should be protection of these animals and on the other hand what they are doing with respect to protection of these animals."

The direction was given during the hearing of a petition filed by the High Court Legal Services Committee, in the year 2019. It has sought for a direction to the respondent to establish Goshalas in each Taluk. Further, to provide necessary fodder, water, shelter and health care in the Goshalas already existing and that would be established in the State of Karnataka. Though the relief was claimed in respect of Goshalas, in fact, the relief is for setting up cattle sheds and the relief is not confined only to the cows.

The plea relied on law laid down by the Apex Court in the case of Animal Welfare Board Of India vs A.Nagaraja and Others, wherein it was held that right to dignity and fair treatment is not only confined to human beings alone, but extends to animals as well.

The Apex Court had heavily relied upon Clause (g) of Article 51-A which lays down the fundamental duties of the citizens as well as the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The matter will be next heard on March 28.

Case Title: High Court Legal Services Committee v. State Of Karnataka

Case No: WP 18628/2019