In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to pay ₹2 lakh as compensation to a man whose vehicle was seized over an unconfirmed allegation of transporting beef.
Justice Sandeep Jain, while deciding a writ petition filed by Mohammad Chand, quashed the seizure order and held that the petitioner had suffered financial loss due to “illegal and arbitrary” action by the authorities.
Mohammad Chand’s vehicle was confiscated in October 2024 by authorities in Baghpat under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act based on the allegation that it was being used to transport meat of five cows. However, the court noted a critical gap in the prosecution’s case. The veterinary doctor who examined the seized meat was not certain whether it was beef and had advised a confirmatory laboratory test.
In the absence of any report from an authorised laboratory, the state failed to conclusively establish its claim. The court observed that despite this uncertainty, authorities proceeded with confiscation without properly examining the issue.
“The authorities, without examining this issue, have proceeded to confiscate the vehicle of the petitioner which is arbitrary, illegal and unwarranted under the provisions of the Act of 1955,” the court said.
The bench further emphasized that the burden of proof rested with the state to establish that the seized meat was beef. However, the available examination report only indicated that the meat was “suspected” to be from a cow or its progeny, falling short of the legal standard required for such action.
The court also took note of the severe economic consequences faced by the petitioner. It observed that the vehicle was his sole source of livelihood and that its prolonged seizure had caused significant financial distress.
“The petitioner has been deprived of earning through this vehicle since October 18, 2024, when it was illegally seized by the state authorities. A period of more than 18 months has elapsed since then,” the court noted.
Recognising the hardship caused, the High Court directed the immediate release of the vehicle within three days. It also ordered the state to pay ₹2 lakh in damages to the petitioner for the losses suffered due to the незакон seizure. Additionally, the court granted liberty to the state to recover the compensation amount from the officials responsible for the action.
