AccidentSafety – Supreme Court Seeks Action on Stray Cattle Risks Highways

AccidentSafety – The Supreme Court on Monday asked the central government, states, and other authorities to respond to a petition raising concerns over the growing presence of stray cattle on highways. The issue, which has been linked to road accidents in several parts of the country, has prompted the court to seek clarity on measures being taken to address the problem.

Court Issues Notice to Multiple Authorities

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued formal notices to the Centre, all states and Union Territories, and the Animal Welfare Board of India. The court has granted them four weeks to submit their responses.

During the hearing, the bench pointed out that several states collect a cow cess of around 10 percent but appear to have made limited progress in managing stray cattle effectively. The observation reflected the court’s concern over the gap between revenue collection and on-ground action.

Petition Highlights Road Safety Concerns

The plea, filed by Lawyers For Human Rights International, calls for immediate steps to prevent cattle from entering national and state highways. It stresses that the absence of consistent policies across states has worsened the situation, leading to accidents and risks for motorists.

The petition seeks the formulation of uniform national guidelines to address cattle intrusion. It also recommends mandatory fencing along highways and expressways, especially in areas identified as accident-prone.

Proposed Measures for Long-Term Solutions

Among the key suggestions in the plea is the establishment of scientifically managed shelters, commonly known as gaushalas, supported by dedicated funding. The petition also calls for strict penalties against those who abandon cattle illegally.

Additionally, it proposes a no-fault compensation system for victims of accidents caused by stray animals. This would ensure that those affected receive timely financial assistance without lengthy legal processes.

Overlap With Ongoing Stray Animal Case

During the proceedings, counsel representing the National Highways Authority of India informed the bench that the Supreme Court has already reserved its judgment in a separate case related to stray dogs. That case also touches upon broader concerns involving animals entering public spaces, including highways.

However, the petitioner’s counsel argued that while there may be some overlap, the current plea raises specific issues related to cattle that require independent consideration. The court acknowledged this point and decided to proceed with the matter.

Previous Court Observations on Animal Management

Earlier this year, on January 29, the Supreme Court had suggested that highway construction agencies consider including cattle shelters as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. This recommendation was aimed at providing a structured approach to managing stray animals near road networks.

In a separate development last year, the court addressed the issue of stray dogs, noting a rise in incidents of dog bites in public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and railway stations. It had directed authorities to relocate stray dogs to designated shelters after proper sterilisation and vaccination. The court also stated that such animals should not be released back into their original locations.

Broader Concern Over Public Safety

The judiciary’s recent observations reflect a growing concern over public safety linked to stray animals. The court has repeatedly emphasized the need for coordinated action by authorities to reduce risks on highways and in urban areas.

The current case is expected to examine whether existing measures are sufficient and whether a nationwide framework is necessary to tackle the issue more effectively. The matter will be taken up again after four weeks, once responses from all concerned authorities are received.