PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Quepem Deputy Collector to ensure the safe housing of 108 cattle shifted from a disputed gaushala until a fresh decision is taken on their custody. The court also allowed Dhyan Foundation to inspect the cattle and obtain the report that led to their removal.
The direction was issued by Justice S G Chapalgaonkar while disposing of a petition filed by Dhyan Foundation challenging the July 24 order of the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate directing the removal of all cattle from the site within 12 hours.
The court noted that the cattle had since been shifted to other facilities under the supervision of veterinary officials. A report submitted by the Deputy Collector on August 3 stated that 108 cattle had been shifted “with care and under supervision of Veterinary Officer and Veterinary workers”. The court allowed the Foundation to inspect the shifted cattle and directed that it be provided with a copy of the Mamlatdar’s report dated July 22, 2026, which had formed the basis of the Deputy Collector’s order.
After inspecting the cattle and receiving the report, the Foundation can make a fresh representation to the Deputy Collector seeking appropriate relief. The court directed that any such representation be considered within four weeks.
“Till such decision is taken, respondent no. 2 (Quepem Deputy Collector) shall ensure that cattle are safely housed at the places mentioned in the report dated August 3, 2026 submitted to this Court,” the Bench ordered.
The case arose after the cattle shed operated by Dhyan Foundation at Deusa was dismantled on July 22. The petitioner alleged that a mob of around 150 people had trespassed into the goshala and dismantled the shed.
The Mamlatdar subsequently reported the incident to the Deputy Collector and described the shed as illegal. On July 24, the Deputy Collector passed an ex parte order directing the Foundation to remove all cattle from the site within 12 hours and shift them to an alternative facility after veterinary certification that they were fit for transportation. The Foundation challenged the order before the High Court, arguing that the Deputy Collector had exceeded his jurisdiction.
The State told the court that its authorities had provided the best possible support in the interest of the cattle and had complied with the directions issued during the proceedings. The High Court observed that, in view of the developments during the pendency of the petition, the challenge to the impugned order “no more survives”.
The court, however, said it was appropriate to provide the petitioner with a copy of the Mamlatdar’s report on which the Deputy Collector had relied while passing the order. It also allowed the petitioner to inspect the cattle shifted to other facilities under the court’s directions.
