Bombay HC Panel Scraps Applications for Beef Ban Monitors

The High Court-appointed Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra has quashed the applications sent under the “special drive” launched in May this year.

All the 2,000 applications have been rejected under the drive which was launched to “serve as eyes to monitor beef ban” by the 12-member committee headed by Justice CS Dharmadhikari, a retired judge of the Bombay High Court on Friday.

Despite strict guidelines, most of these applications were from people affiliated to Hindutva outfits including gau rakshan samitis. Besides, many of these applications were forwarded by the divisional animal husbandry chief without proper verification.

On the validity of these applications, there is no question. They stand unauthorised, and should not have been collected. These applications, as of today, are worthless. Suitable instructions will now be sent to all offices. The chairman made it clear that he had not asked for these applications, nor was any circular issued on the criteria for selection. Veterinary officers should not exceed their jurisdiction.

Bijay Kumar, principal secretary, animal husbandry department

Another committee member, on conditions of anonymity, told The Indian Express that “We have decided to return all the applications to the animal husbandry office in Pune. Orders have been passed to ensure that none of them are considered.” Another member said that only court-appointed panel has the power to to appoint honorary animal welfare officers.

The meeting was held at the Mantralaya’s Annexe Building where the entire issue was taken up on priority basis.

The committee included the Municipal Commissioner, Mumbai, Police Commissioner, Mumbai, a representative of the State Home Department, general manager of a state-run abattoir and four independent members assisted by officials of the animal husbandry department.

Source: The Indian Express

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