U’khand HC Addresses PIL on Ill-Treatment of Equines in Pilgrimage Routes, Seeks Animal Welfare Board Presence

The Uttarakhand High Court recently addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition concerning the ill-treatment of equines used in the Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Gaumukh, and Hemkhud Sahib pilgrimage routes to carry pilgrims and goods.

Considering it a matter of significant public interest, a bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal directed the Secretary, Animal Husbandry, the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the State Animal Welfare Board, and the relevant District Magistrates to appear before the Court in the next hearing.

The division bench clarified that the proceedings are not adversarial; rather, their presence is required to communicate the Court’s concerns and hear about the steps taken by them regarding the raised issues.

The plea was filed by Gauri Maulekhi, the petitioner-in-person, highlighting the yearly death of numerous equines due to the actions of their handlers. The petitioner alleged that both the handlers and the Administration display an utter lack of sensitivity and indifference towards the suffering of these animals, treating them solely as sources of income.

Furthermore, the petitioner contended that the pilgrimage routes lack adequate infrastructure and proper regulation and monitoring by the Authorities, resulting in the neglect of these animals’ well-being and medical needs.

During the hearing, the petitioner-in-person also brought to light that the State Animal Welfare Board’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) concerning the matter is diluted and poorly implemented on the ground.

The Court scheduled the matter for further consideration on August 10, 2023.