Mere possession of meat, not an offence: HC

LUCKNOW: The Allahabad high court has held that mere possession of meat is not an offence under the UP Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act unless it is shown by cogent and sufficient evidence that the substance recovered is beef.

The High Court, in its May 25 order, which was uploaded recently, had granted bail to an accused booked under the UP Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act saying that the prosecution could not produce cogent evidence that the substance recovered from the possession of the accused was beef or beef product.

Accused Ibran was held in March this year in connection with the recovery of 30.5kg of meat from his possession and booked under the UP Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955.

Justice Vikram D Chauhan granted bail to Ibran alias ‘Sheru’ of Pilibhit district. The court said in this case, the prosecution had not demonstrated with cogent evidence that the substance recovered was beef or beef product.

“Mere carrying of meat by any person by itself cannot amount to sale or transport of beef or beef products unless is shown by cogent and sufficient evidence that the substance recovered is beef,” stated the court.

While granting the bail, the court (in its order dated May 25) added: “No material has been shown by the state counsel to demonstrate that the applicant has slaughtered or caused to be slaughtered or offered and cause to be offered for slaughter a cow, bull or bullock in any place in Uttar Pradesh.”

“The alleged act cannot be stated to come within the ambit of the UP Cow Slaughter Act. Further, no report of the competent authority or authorized laboratory has been shown to demonstrate that the meat recovered is beef,” observed the court.