Chennai: Madras high court has directed Tamil Nadu govt to explain the steps taken to prevent stray cattle getting on to roads and public places across the state. A division bench of Justice S S Sundar and Justice M Sudheer Kumar issued the direction on a plea moved by advocate M Ramesh of Thiruverkadu.
According to the petitioner, many accidents have taken place in the minicipality due to stray cattle on public roads. Such cattle often block roads and their sudden movements cause accidents.
Additionally, they defecate on the road, causing two-wheeler riders to slip and fall, resulting in fatal injuries, he said. Many students who commute on bicycles have also suffered injuries due to stray cattle. The presence of cattle and their droppings leads to proliferation of mosquitoes, causing public health issues, he added.
“These cattle sometimes push or attack people walking on the road. They also enter fruit and vegetable shops and damage goods,” he said. At night, in poorly lit areas, these cattle rest in the middle of the roads, and when startled, they suddenly jump, causing accidents.
Section 11 of the Cattle Trespass Act says that if cattle damage roads, canals, water sources, gardens and govt property, such cattle can be seized with the help of police. But the law is not being followed, he said. The state govt has also issued a GO to control stray cattle on roads. Even this GO has not been implemented by the authorities, he said.
Therefore, on Nov 11, he made a representation to the municipal commissioner of Thiruverkadu seeking action against stray cattle. Since authorities failed to act on the representation, he moved the high court.
