LUCKNOW/PRAYAGRAJ — The Allahabad High Court has upheld the detention of three men from Jalaun district under the National Security Act (NSA) in a case linked to alleged cow slaughter during a religiously sensitive period.
The court dismissed petitions filed by Sikandar, Syed Ali and Hasnain, who had challenged their preventive detention. The bench observed that incidents occurring during festivals have the potential to disturb public order and that the state has the authority to take strict measures if social peace is at risk.
During the hearing, the court noted that alleged cow slaughter on religiously sensitive days cannot be treated as an ordinary offence if it has the potential to disrupt public order.
While acknowledging the importance of personal liberty, the bench stated that the state is empowered to intervene when activities are likely to disturb peace. Maintaining law and order during festivals, the court observed, is the responsibility of the administration, and preventive detention laws may be invoked when necessary.
Legal observers say the ruling could influence how preventive laws are applied in similar cases across Uttar Pradesh.
The case pertains to an incident dated March 30, 2025, in the Kalpi police station area of Jalaun district. According to police, meat and certain weapons were allegedly recovered from bushes in the locality.
The following day marked the fourth day of Navratri, and Eid was also approaching. Police officials stated that the recovery created tension in the area and raised apprehensions of a possible disturbance to law and order.
On this basis, the district administration invoked the National Security Act against the three accused.
A senior police officer associated with the case said, “Given the timing of the incident and the prevailing atmosphere, we believed there was a serious risk to public peace. Preventive action was necessary.”
Families Raise Concerns
The families of the detained men have questioned both the police version and the application of the NSA.
A relative of one of the accused said, “There has been no proper trial and no clear proof placed before us. They have been detained under a harsh law. We feel they have been targeted.”
Another family member added, “We respect all religions. Our family has never been involved in anything that disturbs harmony. We want a fair and open hearing.”
Local opinion in the area appears divided. While some residents support strict action to prevent communal tension, others have expressed concern over the use of preventive detention.
A shopkeeper in Kalpi said, “People want peace. If there is genuine evidence, the law should take its course. But the administration must ensure innocent people are not punished.”
The National Security Act allows authorities to detain individuals without formal charges for a specified period if they are deemed a threat to national security or public order.
Human rights advocates argue that such powers should be used sparingly. A High Court advocate said, “Preventive detention is an extraordinary measure. Courts usually examine whether there was sufficient material to justify such action, especially when personal liberty is at stake.”
In this instance, the High Court held that the state’s action was justified based on the available record and the potential impact on public order.
Cases involving alleged cow slaughter often become highly sensitive in Uttar Pradesh, particularly around religious festivals. Authorities frequently cite the risk of communal tension when taking preventive measures.
Community leaders appeal for calm.
A local Muslim cleric said, “We urge everyone to maintain peace and avoid emotional reactions. If someone has committed a crime, the law should decide. But justice must be fair.”
A Hindu community representative stated, “Religious sentiments are important. The administration must act firmly if there is a threat. At the same time, peace between communities should remain the priority.”
The High Court’s ruling is being viewed as a significant comment on the balance between personal liberty and the need to maintain public order during sensitive periods.
For the three accused and their families, the legal process may continue, as their counsel indicated that further remedies are under consideration.
As one family member said outside the court, “We are not asking for special treatment. We are only asking for justice.”
