HC Issues Notice to Cancel Bail of Students Who Threw ‘Bhadra’

The Madras HC judge said that violent acts towards animals have been indicators of a violent pathological behaviour.

There continue to be numerous cases of cruelty against animals across the country. But, it is not for lack of stringent laws. (Photo: Facebook/Hotel for Dogs)

The Madras High Court issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday on a petition seeking cancellation of bail granted by a lower court to the two MBBS students, who had thrown a stray dog off the terrace of a three-storied building earlier this month.

Justice P N Prakash, who issued the notice which is returnable in two weeks, said the pendency of the petition asking for cancelation of the bail granted to the two final-year MBBS students cannot be a reason for stay of the investigation in the case.

The notice was issued on a petition by Antony Clement Rubin–honorary Animal Welfare Officer of the Animal Welfare Board of India, who sought cancellation of the bail granted by the judicial magistrate in Sriperumbudur to Gowtham Sudarshan and Asish Paul, students of Madha Medical College.

The petitioner stressed the need of a judicial system to recognise that cruel actions deserve immediate action regardless of past criminal behavior, so as to prevent the second offence.

A strong message must be sent to any person who feels he can dominate abuse or torture another creature, Rubin said.

The petitioner also sought for the two students to be subjected to a psychiatry test, and be assigned community service at Blue Cross or any other society and also to bear the cost of medicine and future maintenance of the dog, named ‘Bhadra’.

Contending that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is a toothless legislation in India, Justice Prakash said that violent acts toward animals have long been acknowledged as indicators of a violent psychopathology that does not confine itself to animals.

Studies have convinced sociologists, lawmakers and courts in developed nations that acts of cruelty to animals merit attention. They can be the first augury of a violent pathology that includes humans.