Read Time: 07 minutes

Synopsis

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Delhi Government to ensure that there is a dignified burial of the cows dying due to Lumpy Skin disease. 

Court passed the order in a Public Interest Litigation plea seeking direction for taking immediate action and remedial steps needed to eliminate the contagious viral disease known as 'Lump Skin Disease'.

A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad also directed the state government to operate a 24*7 Ambulance Service instead of an alternate day service and increase in Helpline Numbers introduced for addressing the emergency request along with the proper functioning of the same.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by one Ajay Gautam stating that the cows infected with the Lumpy disease strictly need medical treatments at the earliest. "This disease can turn into an epidemic. Therefore, immediate action is needed to stop the spread of this disease among our Holy cows", the plea added.

Today, Gautam, appearing in person, submitted, "While Your Lordships were on a break, I tried calling the helpline number several times and none of them were answered."

Gautam objecting to the response filed by Delhi Government said that though the Government submitted that no cow has died due to the lumpy skin disease, however, he annexed pictures of cows who were killed.

"Cow can't speak, I'm not touching the religious aspect, they are bound under the 7th schedule of the Constitution. The cow is being tortured. I request your Lordships to implead the Central Government and the Delhi Police. The cow is a very important aspect of our society," he added.

However, the counsel appearing for the Delhi Government submitted that as far as the Animal Husbandry Department is concerned no death of a cow has taken place due to lumpy skin disease. He further ensured that the helpline numbers will start working.

Regarding the scientific disposal of the cows, Gautam submitted that "on the name of scientific disposal, they separate their skin and bones. I request that this should not be done."

The court has asked the Gaushalas to work in coordination with the Government and directed Delhi Government to ensure that there is dignified disposal of the Cows.

The Court has also issued notice to the Central Government and the Delhi Police and asked all the parties to file fresh responses before the next date of hearing i.e. December 14.

The present plea submitted that "Lumpy Skin Disease is a contagious viral disease that spreads among cattle, Bovine (Cow family) through mosquitoes, flies, lice, and wasps by direct contact, and also through contaminated food and water. The disease causes fever and nodules on the skin, and it can be fatal."

It further stated that everyday cows are dying on roads due to the above reasons and the helpline number issued by the Delhi Government is not responding and answering calls/queries related to the Lumpy Skin Virus properly.

Additionally, it was submitted that only one Isolation Shelter for cows has been set up by the Delhi Government in Rewala, Khanpur South-West District for 4500 Cattle, although there are more than 20,000 to 25,000 stray cows in the National Capital.

Case Title: Ajay Gautam Vs. Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Anr.