SC Awards Rs 15 Lakh Compensation for Stray Bull Attack Death
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court has awarded Rs 15 lakh compensation to the family of a man killed by a stray bull in Punjab, setting a benchmark for such cases. This comes amid rising incidents of stray cattle attacks across India, prompting the court to direct all states to frame rules for compensation mechanisms.
Background
The incident occurred in 2007 when a bull attacked and killed a man in Punjab. The case reached the Supreme Court, which has now delivered a first-of-its-kind judgment on state liability for stray cattle deaths.
Key facts
The Supreme Court awarded Rs 15 lakh compensation to the family of a man killed by a stray bull in Punjab in 2007.
The bench comprised Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh.
The court directed all states to frame rules for a compensation mechanism in accidents caused by bovine/cattle, covering both pedestrian and vehicular cases.
The court also directed governments to take care of strays and take action against owners who abandon animals on streets and highways.
This is a first-of-its-kind case where the Supreme Court has set a benchmark for compensation in human deaths caused by stray cattle.
The judgment indicates that state governments cannot abdicate responsibility towards people injured or killed by stray cattle.
Prelims pointers
- Supreme Court bench: Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh
- Year of incident: 2007
- State: Punjab
- Compensation amount: Rs 15 lakh
- Directive to all states to frame rules for compensation mechanism
Mains angles
- Discuss the liability of the state in cases of deaths caused by stray animals, with reference to this judgment.
- Examine the role of the judiciary in ensuring compensation for victims of animal attacks and the need for uniform guidelines.
- Critically analyze the effectiveness of existing animal welfare laws in preventing stray cattle incidents.