The Punjab & Haryana High Court in a recent ruling, underscored the cow’s exceptional status in Indian society, noting that its slaughter can deeply offend societal sentiments and potentially disturb public harmony. The court thereby denied anticipatory bail to the accused in a case involving alleged transportation of cows for slaughter, invoking both the Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Presiding Justice Sandeep Moudgil observed that the matter extended well beyond legal repercussions—it carried emotional and cultural significance. The court emphasized that in a pluralistic nation like India, actions that provoke distress among sizable population groups cannot be ignored, as they may threaten peace and societal cohesion.
The judgment also reaffirmed constitutional mandates. It referenced Article 48, which directs the State to safeguard cattle and promote humane policies, and Article 51A(g), which enshrines every citizen’s duty to show compassion toward living beings. These provisions showcase the moral and agricultural ethos embedded in India’s constitutional framework.
Delving into the specifics, the court highlighted that the accused was not a first-time offender; he was previously implicated in at least three related FIRs. In light of this history, the court found that granting anticipatory bail would undermine accountability. It stressed that anticipatory bail is a discretionary measure meant to shield the innocent—not to shield repeat offenders from facing legal consequences.
Summarizing its stance, the court affirmed that, while individual liberty is important, habitual misuse of legal privileges must be checked firmly. The verdict denies pre-arrest relief, thereby reinforcing both legal accountability and respect for deeply held cultural beliefs