The verdict exposes misconduct within the law enforcement system and the misuse of the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act.
Team Clarion
GANDHINAGAR — In a significant ruling, a district court in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district on December 3 acquitted two Muslim men falsely accused of cow slaughter. The court also ordered criminal proceedings against three police officials and two witnesses for fabricating the case.
The verdict, delivered by 5th Additional Sessions Judge Parvez Ahmad Malviya, exposes misconduct within the law enforcement system and the misuse of the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act.
The case, filed in July 2020, alleged that Nazir Mian Safi Mian Malik and Ilyas Muhammad Dawal were transporting cattle for slaughter under the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act, 2017, and the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1860. The accused spent approximately ten days in custody before being granted bail.
During the trial, the court concluded that the charges were entirely fabricated, citing inconsistencies and misconduct in the investigation. The judge criticised the lack of due diligence by the investigating officers and the involvement of unreliable witnesses, including self-styled “cow vigilantes.”
The court directed the registrar of the district court to file criminal complaints under Section 248 of the Indian Penal Code against:
- Assistant Head Constables: Rameshbhai Narut Singh and Sankar Singh Sajjan Singh
- Police Sub-Inspector: M.S. Monia
- Witnesses: Mrugesh Soni and Darshan alias Pankaj Soni
Additionally, the Superintendent of Police in Panchmahal, Godhra, has been instructed to initiate departmental proceedings against the implicated officials.
Judge Malviya highlighted several flaws in the prosecution’s case:
- The five witnesses were not local residents but were called from 8–10 km away, raising questions about their credibility.
- The complainant, Assistant Head Constable Baria, admitted under cross-examination that the cows were likely being transported for milk, undermining the claim of slaughter intent.
- The accused were subjected to undue hardship, with the judge noting that the investigative process was neither fair nor thorough.
The court also ordered the immediate return of the seized cattle, currently held at a shelter home, to the acquitted men. If the animals are not returned within 30 days, the state government must compensate the accused with ₹80,000, equivalent to the purchase price of the animals.
The case sheds light on the controversial practice of cow vigilantism in India, where allegations of cow slaughter often lead to harassment and wrongful imprisonment, particularly of Muslims and other marginalised communities. The Gujarat court’s ruling marks a rare instance of judicial accountability, signalling that misuse of laws will not be tolerated.
The acquittal and the court’s strong condemnation of false cases have sparked reactions across legal, political, and civil society circles. Advocates for justice have lauded the judgment, while rights organisations hope this will deter the misuse of cow protection laws.
Legal experts see the ruling as a precedent, emphasising the need for fair investigations and accountability for law enforcement officers. Community leaders have urged authorities to take lessons from the judgment, ensuring impartiality in cases involving sensitive religious or social issues.
