The High Court of Chhattisgarh took up a Public Interest Litigation during the Deepawali holidays, reflecting its deep concern for public welfare. Acting in the public interest, Hon’ble the Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru registered the matter suo motu as WPPIL No. 95 of 2025, following alarming reports of cattle deaths in Bilaspur district. The order in this regard was passed on October 23, 2025.
The bench observed that a Hindi daily, Navbharat, had reported the deaths of several cattle in Beltara and Sukulkari villages under the Masturi block, where animals were allegedly kept in swampy, unsanitary conditions inside a mini stadium. The court described the photographs published with the news article as “pathetic,” revealing inhumane conditions and apparent administrative neglect.
Villagers told the newspaper that the cattle lacked proper food, clean water, and shelter. They alleged that local authorities made only brief visits to the affected areas without taking corrective steps. The Joint Director of Veterinary Services, Bilaspur, told Navbharat he had received complaints only from Sukulkari and denied departmental negligence, but the court found the situation grave enough to warrant judicial action.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the court directed the Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Chhattisgarh, to file a personal affidavit explaining the circumstances behind the reported cattle deaths and detailing the steps taken for their prevention. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 27, 2025.
The bench said the issue went beyond animal welfare, touching on public trust in the state’s cow protection initiatives. “The facts, as reported, call for an immediate and transparent administrative response,” the order stated. It also emphasized that the High Court’s intervention, despite the festive recess, reflected the judiciary’s commitment to upholding public interest even during holidays.
If the affidavit confirms the villagers’ account, the court is expected to direct inspections and accountability measures. If it contradicts the reports, the judges may order an independent inquiry to verify the ground situation. Either way, the matter now ensures close oversight of the district administration’s actions.
Legal observers say this decision sends a strong message: that public interest cannot wait, not even during holidays. The High Court’s decision to convene during Deepawali symbolizes judicial responsiveness and reinforces confidence in the institution’s role as guardian of both law and humanity.
Case Details : WPPIL No. 95 of 2025, In The Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation Based On News Item Published In Navbharat, Last Page, Bilaspur, Thursday Dated 23.10.2025 Vidambana Gayon Ki Maut Par Sawal, Veterinary Vibhag Par Laaparvahi Ka Aarop, Beltara Va Sukalkari Bane Kabragaha Bhukh Pyas Se Tadapkar Mar Rahi Gayen vs – State of Chhattisgarh and Others
