The Allahabad High Court has delivered a sharp rebuke to Uttar Pradesh authorities over what it terms the “casual and frivolous” use of the state’s cow slaughter law, expressing concern about its misuse and its links to rising vigilantism and mob violence.

The court’s observations come from a petition filed by one Rahul Yadav, a vehicle owner who was seeking quashing of an FIR registered under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The police intercepted Yadav’s vehicle—driven by an employee—carrying 9 live cow progeny within the state. There was no evidence of slaughter, injury, or attempt to transport the animals outside UP, and yet, an FIR was filed, invoking major sections of the above Acts.

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