Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, K. Surya alias K. Surya Prasanth, a resident of Coimbatore and an activist, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) under Article 226 of the Constitution of India before the Madras High Court. He sought a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to consider his representation dated 18.05.2026 and take steps to prevent the slaughter of cows and calves in public places on the occasion of Bakrid. The respondents included the Secretary to the Government, Animal Husbandry Department, Director General of Police, District Collector, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Corporation, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and Inspector of Police. The petitioner alleged that arrangements were made for slaughtering cows and calves in areas not designated as slaughterhouses. He submitted a representation to the authorities, but it was not considered, leading to the filing of the writ petition. The respondents filed a counter affidavit, stating that on 21.05.2026, the police inspected the place designated for cow slaughter (Qurban) and found that a temporary shed had been erected in a non-public area without causing obstruction or offending religious sentiments. The court noted that the respondents conceded the veracity of the petitioner's averments. The court considered the question whether cows and calves can be sacrificed in places not designated as slaughterhouses on the occasion of Bakrid. The court referred to Article 48 of the Constitution of India, which mandates the State to prohibit the slaughter of cows and calves. The court held that slaughter of cows and calves must only occur in designated slaughterhouses, and any slaughter in non-designated places is illegal. The court allowed the writ petition and directed the respondents to take steps to prevent the slaughter of cows and calves in places not designated as slaughterhouses.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Directive Principles - Article 48 of the Constitution of India - Prevention of Cow Slaughter - The court considered whether cows and calves can be slaughtered in non-designated places during Bakrid. The court held that Article 48 mandates the State to prohibit slaughter of cows and calves, and slaughter must only occur in designated slaughterhouses. (Paras 2-7) B) Animal Husbandry - Slaughter Regulations - Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958 - Designated Slaughterhouses - The court examined the legality of slaughtering cows in temporary sheds not designated as slaughterhouses. The court held that such slaughter is illegal and directed authorities to prevent it. (Paras 2-7) C) Public Interest Litigation - Writ of Mandamus - Article 226 of the Constitution of India - Enforcement of Representation - The petitioner sought a writ of mandamus to consider his representation against cow slaughter in public places. The court allowed the petition and directed the respondents to take steps to prevent such slaughter. (Paras 1-7)
Issue of Consideration
Whether cows and calves can be sacrificed in places not designated as slaughterhouses on the occasion of Bakrid.
Final Decision
The court allowed the writ petition and directed the respondents to take steps to prevent the slaughter of cows and calves in places not designated as slaughterhouses.
Law Points
- Constitutional directive principles
- Prevention of cow slaughter in non-designated places
- Enforcement of statutory provisions
- Public interest litigation
