The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused to issue an order on regulating cattle vigilantes or on maintaining law and order ahead of Bakrid.
A Bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and M.S. Karnik said it is satisfied with the State’s and the Mumbai Police’s preparedness on preventing unwarranted incidents of cattle vigilantism.
The judges said, considering the guidelines and circulars issued by the State, and the Mumbai Police, they believed that the authorities have kept in mind the constitutional principle of secularism, and have taken necessary steps to ensure people of all religions celebrate without causing disturbance to one another.
The observations were made while the HC was disposing of a public interest litigation seeking that the court issue guidelines against cow vigilantes or ‘gau rakshaks’
The plea expressed apprehension that cattle vigilante groups might create trouble during Bakrid. It also urged the court to issue directions to the State to ensure the safety of citizens, especially of cattle traders, and those who own or work in slaughter houses and meat shops.
The Bench, however, said it feels no need to interfere, or legislate judicially upon an issue that is the prerogative and the duty of the executive.
“The State has submitted before us the communication issued to all authorities concerned by the State Intelligence Bureau. The DGP, and the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, have also issued circulars to their subordinates on maintaining law and order ahead of Bakrid,” said the Bench.