The court warns senior officials of action if they fail to report measures to prevent harassment of innocent people and mob violence
LUCKNOW – In a strongly worded order, the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court has recently come down heavily on what it described as a growing trend of “casual” and “frivolous” FIRs being registered under the UP Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955.
The court directed the Uttar Pradesh government’s top officials to explain why such cases continue despite clear judicial precedents.
A bench of Justices Abdul Moin and Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary made the observations while hearing a plea filed by Rahul Yadav, who sought quashing of an FIR lodged against him in Pratapgarh under Sections 3, 5A, and 8 of the Cow Slaughter Act and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The court expressed serious concern over a rising number of false FIRs filed against individuals on mere suspicion of cow slaughter or cow trafficking, often targeting Muslim citizens. These actions, the court noted, amount to harassment of law-abiding residents and reflect poorly on the administration’s duty to uphold justice.
“The misuse of these laws to intimidate innocent citizens is deeply troubling,” the bench stated. “Law enforcement authorities must ensure that these provisions are not abused to target specific communities or individuals without evidence.”
According to court documents, mob violence in the name of cow protection has also increased, with several reports of mob lynching emerging across the state. In many cases, police were present at the scene but did not intervene, allowing violence to occur unchecked.
It directed the Principal Secretary (Home) and the DGP to file personal affidavits within three weeks explaining the reasons and detailing proposed disciplinary action against officials responsible for such casual cases. Officials have also been warned that failure to comply by November could result in them being summoned to court.
“The state government cannot remain a silent witness while innocent people are falsely implicated,” the court said. “Authorities must provide a clear account of the action taken against police officers who register FIRs without proper investigation or on suspicion alone.”
Legal experts and civil society representatives have voiced concerns that the current implementation of cow protection laws disproportionately affects Muslim communities. “We have seen repeated incidents where Muslims are accused without evidence and face public humiliation or violence,” said a senior advocate familiar with the cases. “This is a matter of grave concern for the rule of law.”
Human rights activists have also highlighted that these laws, while intended to prevent illegal slaughter and trafficking, are being exploited to create fear and suppress minority communities. “The misuse of cow laws has turned into a tool for vigilante justice,” said a spokesperson for a rights organisation. “The courts’ intervention is timely, but much more needs to be done to protect innocent citizens.”
The Allahabad High Court’s observations come amid nationwide reports of mob lynching in the name of cow protection, with multiple incidents reported in various states. The bench emphasised that law enforcement must act impartially and warned that targeting individuals on suspicion alone undermines India’s constitutional guarantees of justice and equality.
Officials in Uttar Pradesh have yet to respond publicly to the court’s directives. Observers note that the coming weeks will be critical, as the state is expected to take concrete measures to prevent further misuse of cow protection laws and curb vigilante actions.
