In a significant move to address animal welfare and administrative accountability, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo motu cognizance (action taken by the court on its own motion) regarding the tragic death of nearly 50 cattle at a government-run gaushala (cow shelter) in Raipur Kalan, Chandigarh.

The intervention follows harrowing media reports that highlighted not only the mass death of animals but also shocking allegations of cruelty, including the discovery of carcasses with missing eyes, hooves, and horns.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry has formally sought a response from the Chandigarh Union Territory (UT) administration. This follows an initial order by Justice Sanjay Vashisth, who flagged the gravity of the situation after regional newspapers reported the discovery of numerous carcasses at an incineration plant in Makhan Majra.

The controversy erupted when reports surfaced on January 16, 2024, stating that between 50 and 60 cattle had died under mysterious circumstances at the Raipur Kalan gaushala. This facility is notably under the direct control and management of the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Chandigarh.

What turned a case of mass animal death into a potential criminal conspiracy were the specific details regarding the state of the remains. According to media highlights:

Several carcasses were found mutilated.
Vital parts such as eyes, hooves, and horns were missing from the dead animals.
These findings raised immediate suspicions of illegal trafficking and foul play, suggesting that the animals might have been targeted for their parts even after death.

The crisis was further compounded by a failure in the city’s waste management infrastructure. It was revealed that a dedicated Carcass Disposal Plant at Raipur Kalan—inaugurated as recently as September 12, 2025, at a cost of ₹1.79 crore—had been non-functional for over a week at the time of the incident.

Despite being covered under a five-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC), the plant's breakdown led to a massive and unhygienic pile-up of animal remains. This neglect not only highlighted a waste of public funds but also contributed to the "pathetic living conditions" reported by inspectors at the shelter.

Following the outcry, an inspection conducted on January 13 painted a grim picture of the Raipur Kalan shelter. Cattle were found suffering from extreme cold, hunger, and various illnesses. Shockingly, the facility reportedly lacked a veterinary doctor or any basic medical treatment infrastructure, leaving sick animals to perish without care.

Even more concerning were the findings of the post-mortem examinations. Out of nine carcasses examined:

Seven were found to have significant amounts of polythene bags and plastic waste in their stomachs.
Veterinary experts cited this plastic consumption as the preliminary cause of death.

Justice Vashisth expressed deep concern over this finding, noting that Chandigarh has a strict ban on polythene use. The Court remarked that the presence of plastic in the animals' stomachs is a direct indictment of the regulatory authorities' failure to enforce the ban effectively.

In response to the mounting evidence of negligence, several legal and administrative steps have been taken:

Police Action: An FIR was registered at the Mauli Jagran Police Station. The complaint, filed by the Gaushala Management Committee, invokes Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (mischief by killing or maiming an animal) and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Suspensions: The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh has suspended a Medical Officer of Health and an Inspector (Cattle Pound).
Terminations: The services of several contractual staff members—including a veterinary doctor, a sanitary inspector, and a supervisor—have been terminated.
Magisterial Inquiry: A high-level inquiry has been ordered by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh to fix responsibility.

The High Court did not mince words regarding the state of affairs in a city often touted as one of India's most planned and "educated" urban centers.

Justice Vashisth observed that law-enforcing agencies seemed to have "turned a blind eye" to blatant violations. The Court emphasized that despite Chandigarh's reputation for having responsible citizens, the authorities failed to create an "atmosphere of discipline" that would prevent such cruelty and environmental neglect.

By invoking its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution, the Court converted the matter into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to ensure systemic changes and accountability.

The Court has now issued formal notices to several key stakeholders, including:

The Union of India (through the Secretaries of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment).
The Union Territory of Chandigarh (through the Deputy Commissioner).
The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (through its Commissioner).

Senior Standing Counsel Amit Jhanji, along with Himanshu Arora, appeared for the UT Chandigarh during the proceedings. The matter is currently listed for further hearing on March 09, where the administration is expected to provide a detailed report on how such a lapse occurred and what steps are being taken to protect the surviving cattle.

This case is a stark reminder of the gap between policy and practice. While Chandigarh has the infrastructure (a multi-crore disposal plant) and the laws (polythene bans and animal cruelty acts), the breakdown of oversight led to a tragedy of significant proportions.

The High Court’s decision to take up this matter on its own motion ensures that the deaths of these animals will not be hushed up as mere "administrative lapses" but will be treated as a serious breach of the law and public trust.

Case Title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION V/S UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

Next Date of Hearing: March 09, 2026