Supreme Court asks states to stop cattle straying on roads, compensate victims of accidents

The Supreme Court asked states and union territories to amend laws to prevent stray cattle on roads and frame compensation schemes for victims of bovine-related accidents.

Dealing with a 2007 Sangrur, Punjab incident where a stray bull attacked and killed a man, the court directed Punjab to pay ₹15 lakh compensation to the widow.

The court suggested mechanisms for compensating both pedestrians and motorists injured or killed in cattle-related incidents.

The court noted that 24 states have laws on bovine protection and asked for their complete implementation.

Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh emphasized that cattle presence on roads must be prevented through laws or regulations holding owners accountable.