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Date of Decision: 3rd March, 2023.
KOLISETTY SHIVA KUMAR ..... Petitioner
Through: Mr. Sravan Kumar Karnam, Mr. Mohit K Jakhar, Mr. P. Santhosh Kumar and
Ms. Medha Singh, Advocates (M:
7983113018, 9811237009).
Through: Mr. Chetan Sharma, ASG With Mr. Ajay Digpaul, CGSC alongwith Mr. Amit Gupta, Mr. Kamal Digpaul and
Ms. Swati Kwatra, Advocates for UOI (M: 9811158265).
JUDGMENT
1. This hearing has been done through hybrid mode.
2. The Petitioner challenges the impugned notification dated 10th February, 2023 issued by the Respondent No. 1, Animal Welfare Board of India (‘AWBI’) by which celebration of ‘Cow Hug Day’ has been withdrawn. The said notification reads as under:- “As directed by the Competent Authority and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying the appeal issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India for celebration of Cow Hug Day on 14th February, 2023 stands withdrawn.”
3. A perusal of record would show that on 6th February, 2023 a notification was issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India to the effect 2023/DHC/001641 that ‘Cow Hug Day’ would be celebrated on 14th February, 2023. However, before the said date, on 10th February, 2023 itself the said notification was withdrawn. The Petitioner challenges the withdrawal. The notification dated 6th February, 2023 is set out below:- “We all know that the Cow is the backbone of Indian culture and rural economy, sustains our life, represent cattle wealth and biodiversity. It is known as "Kamdhenu" and "Gaumata" because of its nourishing nature like mother, the giver of all providing riches to humanity. Vedic traditions are almost on the verge of extinction due to the progress of west culture over time. The dazzle of western civilization has made our physical culture and heritage almost forgotten. In view of the immense benefit of the cow, hugging with cow will bring emotional richness hence will increase our individual & collective happiness. Therefore, all the cow lovers may also celebrate the February 14 as Cow Hug Day keeping in mind the importance of mother Cow and make life happy and full of positive energy. This issues with the approval of competent authority and on the direction of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.”
4. In the opinion of this Court, the celebration of any particular event by the Animal Welfare Board is purely in the domain of policy of the said Board and the Government. The same does not deserve interference in a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
5. The present petition is disposed of in these terms. All pending applications, if any, is disposed of.
PRATHIBA M. SINGH JUDGE MARCH 3, 2023 mr/dn/rp