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Synopsis

The Allahabad High Court has recently observed that even though there is a ban on cow slaughter in Uttar Pradesh, cow slaughter is still being done.

The bench of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, coming down heavily upon the Uttar Pradesh Police, said that whenever an FIR is lodged in such cases, flexible behavior is adopted by the police and the investigation is not completed on time, that is why the crime of cow slaughter is continuously increasing in this state.

"It seems that the police department is not serious in such matters, which directly benefits such criminals and also increases their morale," said the single judge bench. 

Taking a serious view, the bench ordered Police Commissioner, Prayagraj to present the complete report before the high court through an affidavit as to how many cases of cow slaughter have been registered in Prayagraj district from the year 2019 till date and how many are under investigation.

"On the next date, the Police Commissioner, Prayagraj will be personally present before this court with an affidavit, otherwise the Home Secretary of the State Government will appear before the court along with the progress report of the FIR lodged pertaining to cow slaughter from the year 2019 till date. Otherwise, the court will be forced to pass an order against them," directed the bench. 

Regarding the case at hand, the bench observed that the case was of the year 2019 and the investigation had not been completed till date.

The bench was dealing with an anticipatory bail petition filed by one Saif Ali Khan in a case registered under Sections 3/5/8 of the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955.

As per the prosecution, from Khan's possession, 1.5 quintal cow meat was recovered. Court noted that the report of the Forensic Science Laboratory dated 30.09.2019 was also on record in which beef had been confirmed.

Court ordered the case to be listed as fresh on November 30, 2023. 

Case Title: Saif Ali Khan v. State of U.P.