Disposed

Satish Sharma v. State of NCT & Ors.

Delhi HC20 Aug 2024W.P.(C)/1108/2022

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

In a public interest matter regarding stray cattle on Delhi roads, the Court noted limited actions taken against illegal dairies. It issued directions to establish helplines, form a task force, and engage the community to ensure road safety.

What did the court decide?

Directions to MCD to establish helplines, form a special task force with Police and MCD, and engage the public to report stray cattle and illegal dairies.

Satish Sharma Vs State of NCT & Ors. — Service and Employment | Delhi HC (2024)

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$~9

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* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI

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- W.P.(C) 1108/2022

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SATISH SHARMA .....Petitioner

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Through: Ms. Mumtaz Ahmad and Mr. Lalit Mishra, Advocates.

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versus

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STATE OF NCT & ORS. .....Respondents Through: Mr. Sameer Vashisht, ASC with Mr. Vanshay Kaul, Advocate for R-1 & 2. Mr. Siddharth Panda, Standing Counsel for MCD/ R-3. ASI Sunil Kumar, Sangam Vihar Traffic Circle and ASI Devender Singh, Parvi Officer Traffic.

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CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJEEV NARULA O R D E R 20.08.2024

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The Petitioner, a practicing Advocate in Saket District Court and resident of Village Meethapur, New Delhi, has repeatedly observed and reported the hazard posed by stray cattle on his daily commute. The Petitioner contends that despite numerous complaints to the authorities there has been negligible action to mitigate these dangers, which not only disrupt traffic but also pose serious risks to public safety. Significant concerns about dairy farm owners who negligently allow their cattle to roam freely on roads and highways has been raised. This practice not only leads to traffic disruptions but also increases the risk of accidents, as vividly illustrated by

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Page 1 of 4

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W.P.(C) 1108/2022

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This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/08/2024 at 11:47:38

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an incident narrated by the Petitioner. This issue requires urgent and sustained attention from the concerned authorities to ensure road safety and public welfare.

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As noted in order dated 16^th October 2023, the Respondent authorities acknowledged the issue, stating that efforts were being made to curtail this menace. Initiatives include disconnecting utility services to illegal dairies—a primary cause for stray cattle. However, these measures are insufficient in addressing the root cause of the problem. Both Respondent No.2/Deputy Commissioner (traffic) and Respondent No.3 have submitted status reports detailing their actions, such as the sealing of illegal dairies and coordination with utility services to enforce compliance. The latest status report in terms of order dated 7^th December, 2023 has also been filed by Respondent No.3.

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The reports indicate that the Delhi Police has liaised with Municipal Corporation of Delhi¹ to promptly address sightings of stray animals. MCD has undertaken significant actions, including the disconnection of utility services to illegal dairies and coordination with local police to enforce compliance. In recent months, several illegal dairies have been sealed, and structures on public land have been demolished to mitigate the issue. Further, the Court is informed that in the month of September 2023, six illegal dairies have been sealed in the area of Jaitpur, Meethapur, Badarpur and seven illegal dairy structures existing on public land have been demolished in the area. In February and March 2024, two illegal dairies have been sealed in Sangam Vihar and in the adjoining area, in a joint action taken by the authorities. Counsel for Respondent No.3 assures that the MCD would continue taking action on regular basis against stray cattle in the areas

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Page 2 of 4

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W.P.(C) 1108/2022

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falling in the jurisdiction of central zone, New Delhi.

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While these steps are commendable, the persistent issue of stray cattle indicates a need for more robust and coordinated action. The ongoing problem of stray cattle on roads is not merely an inconvenience but a significant public safety hazard that affects the daily lives of thousands of commuters. The authorities must treat this issue with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. While individual actions against illegal dairies are necessary, they are not sufficient to solve the problem comprehensively. There is a need for an approach that includes regular monitoring, community engagement, and stricter enforcement of regulations against errant dairy owners and a solution for stray cattle. Accordingly, the following directions are issued:

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(a) The MCD must consider establishing dedicated helplines for reporting stray cattle. This will facilitate prompt action and engagement with the community in monitoring and reporting incidents. Additionally, Respondent No.2/Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) is directed to monitor and promptly report the incidents of stray cattle.

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(b) The Delhi government/Respondent No.1 is urged to consider the formation of a special task force comprising representatives from the MCD, Delhi Police, and other relevant agencies. This task force will coordinate actions, share resources, and ensure a unified approach to dealing with the issue of stray cattle.

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(c) MCD must engage with the public to raise awareness about the importance of keeping cattle off the streets. Community involvement is crucial in identifying and reporting illegal dairies and stray cattle hotspots.

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1 “MCD”

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Page 3 of 4

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W.P.(C) 1108/2022

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With these directions, the petition is disposed of, and it is expected that the Respondent authorities will implement these measures effectively to ensure that the roads are safe and free from hazards such as stray cattle.

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Disposed of.

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SANJEEV NARULA, J

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AUGUST 20, 2024 d.negi

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Page 4 of 4

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W.P.(C) 1108/2022

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This is a digitally signed order.

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The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 27/08/2024 at 11:47:38

Satish Sharma v. State of NCT & Ors.

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

Satish Sharma v. State of NCT & Ors.

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

What the court decided

A compact analysis

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