The health team of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation shifted eight cows from a residence in Gurudev Nagar on August 20 after orders from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The cows were to be removed from the residence as cattle are not allowed in homes in urban areas and one needs to procure a licence from MC to keep cows. They were shifted to Govind Gaudham cow shelter on Hambran road and the MC had to face two ferocious dogs left by the owner at the gate to intimidate the team, and loudspeakers were used to get the doors opened. After the house owner’s brother complained in the High Court about foul smell emitting from home and cow dung and waste blocking the sewage that the HC passed the orders to shift cows. However, to the MC’s horror, the headache is back after the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued another order on August 28 to return the cattle but only after the owner complied with all formalities related to licensing. While the MC is yet to issue a licence to the owner, the cattle were back at the residence on September 2. The MC is not sure if the licence will be granted for keeping eight animals as bylaws allow only one cow/buffalo for domestic purpose and the whole procedure for removing cattle may have to be repeated. The HC order passed by Judge K Kannan reads, “I am of the view that cattle seized on August 20 shall be returned, provided that the owner gives an affidavit to MC commissioner that cattle are not kept for purposes mentioned under section 343 (c) of Punjab MC Act (licensing is necessary under this section if cattle is used for transportation, sale or hire or sale of its produce). He/she shall also affirm that the place is kept clean and the cow dung is removed from the place that is not likely to create danger to life, health or property or create a nuisance, the circumstances that would still allow for a Commissioner to exercise power in terms of Section 343(b) read with Section 344.” But the court also made it clear that the licence has to be procured as per the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (Licensing of Dairies) Bylaws passed in 1979. “The counsel for the corporation states that even apart from Section 343, there is a requirement under the bylaws for licence for retaining cattle in any private premises within the corporation area. The party shall set out the legal provisions and, therefore, to insist on compliance with any regulations relating to licence,” said the orders. While the license is yet to be issued, cattle have been released by MC. A S Sekhon, incharge of MC health wing, said, “Confusion continues as to if we can issue a licence for keeping eight animals in a residence as it will block sewer with cow dung. We are yet to take action on court orders pertaining to licence but we released the cattle after the owner gave an affidavit.”
