JOSEHINE ANTONY Vs. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition has been filed in public interest by an Animal Welfare Activist, who is also an Honorary Animal Welfare Officer of the Animal Welfare Board of India. The petitioner works for a Non-Governmental Organization by name Gau Gyan Foundation.

(2.) The fact that a huge stock of cattle is transported from all the three neighbouring States to Kerala, for the purpose of slaughter, has been inviting the attention of the statutory authorities as well as animal lovers. But, the Government of Kerala imposed a ban recently on the entry of cattle into Kerala from Tamil Nadu, following the out-break of a disease known as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). As a result, a large number of cattle which were in transit landed at Cumbum which is virtually the gateway to Kerala.

(3.) Upon coming to know of the fact that about 2000 cattle are kept in Cumbum, awaiting the order of the Government of Kerala lifting the ban, the petitioner lodged a criminal complaint in Crime No. 3/2014 before the Inspector of Police, Cumbum North Police Station. Claiming that the transporters of cattle attempted to assault her, the petitioner lodged a second complaint in Crime No. 4/2014.