The Punjab & Haryana High Court dismissed the PIL filed by NGO, Zariyaan for Voiceless Welfare Society. The petitioner raised concerns about non-compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, highlighting a sharp increase in stray animal population along with frequent incidents of animal attacks causing injuries and fatalities. Additionally, the petitioner sought directions to ensure free medical aid for injured and needy animals.
However, the Court observed that the same issues had already been addressed in prior judgments in Jatinder Jain vs. State of Haryana and Court on its own Motion vs. State of Haryana, where appropriate directions had already been issued. The Bench, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, held the present petition to be infructuous and superfluous.
Consequently, the petition was dismissed with a cost of ₹5,000 to be deposited in the Punjab State Legal Services Authority-Disaster Relief Fund within seven days.
Appearances:
Petitioner: Ms. Dolli Sharma, Advocate (through VC); Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Addl. Solicitor General of India (through VC);
Respondents/UoI: Ms. Shreyansi Verma, Central Govt. Counsel; Mr. Salil Sabhlok, Sr. DAG, Punjab (through VC); Mr. Deepak Balyan, Addl. Advocate General, Haryana.
