LI Network
Published on: November 25, 2023 at 17:55 IST
The Supreme Court recently concluded a case addressing the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) outbreak in cattle, expressing satisfaction with the preventive measures implemented by both the Union and the States.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral ailment primarily affecting cattle, caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a member of the poxvirus family. Characterized by nodules on the skin, the disease is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes and biting flies, with possible contamination through feed and water. Reports indicate that over 75,000 cattle succumbed to this disease following its outbreak in April 2022.
Earlier, on October 31, 2022, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to determine if the Union of India had formulated a National Health Plan to prevent and treat the LSDV epidemic among cows and other cattle.
Both the Union of India and the Animal Welfare Board of India, in their counter-affidavits, asserted that the matter falls within the states’ jurisdiction. They highlighted issuing guidelines and policy circulars, resulting in the vaccination of approximately 8.16 crore cattle.
The states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and the Government of NCT of Delhi submitted counter-affidavits, outlining the steps taken by them.
After reviewing the affidavits, the Court stated, “It is apparent from the counter-affidavits that the budgetary allocation and the consequential expenditure incurred vary from state to state depending upon the total population of the cattle and the financial condition of that state. Various measures, however, have been taken by all the states….
In light of these steps, we are satisfied that these proceedings can be closed as of now while leaving it open for the petitioner(s) to approach the Central/State Governments as and when required to address any related issue(s).”
The Court granted the petitioner the liberty to approach the Union government for a policy decision within a reasonable time on issues like formulating policies for sustainable programs for indigenous cows, utilizing cow urine for its medicinal value, and ensuring proper implementation of the Pashu Aadhar numerical database.
Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta of the Supreme Court bench expressed confidence in the proactive measures taken by the states, stating, “We have no reason to doubt that the State Governments will take prompt action and give serious consideration to the issues that may be raised by the petitioner(s) in the future.”
Case title: Ashutosh Bansal v. Union of India
