Uttarakhand High Court Issues Comprehensive Directives for the Welfare of Equines in Kedarnath Yatra Operations
The Uttarakhand High Court has recently issued a set of crucial directives aimed at safeguarding the welfare and well-being of mules, horses, and other equines used during the Kedarnath Yatra, as detailed in the case of Gauri Maulekhi Vs State of Uttarakhand and others.
In a significant move, the bench led by Chief Justice Vipin Singhi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal has instructed the State to devise schemes and regulations that involve blacklisting handlers and owners found guilty of subjecting their equines to cruelty or maltreatment.
The Court has emphasized that mere monetary fines imposed on such individuals are inadequate. Instead, the most effective means to curb such inhumane practices is by imposing blacklisting measures on handlers and owners who mistreat their equine companions, thereby deterring them from continuing such behavior.
"It is only the fear of being debarred from carrying on their business, that will drive the erring handlers/ owners of equines, to fall in line," the Court highlighted.
Additionally, the High Court has directed the District Magistrate of Rudraprayag and other relevant authorities to ensure that these equines are not deployed for work between sunset and sunrise, ensuring they receive ample rest breaks. This directive applies to the use of equines in the Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib yatras.
The Court's ruling underscores the necessity for strict compliance with the order that restricts the utilization of these animals during the specified hours. The Court has also mandated that only registered equines and handlers be permitted to cross the initial barrier at the onset of the yatra route.
The Court, while addressing a petition filed in 2022 by animal rights advocate Gauri Maulekhi, has issued these directives based on a public interest litigation (PIL) which brings attention to the distressing circumstances endured by equines used for the Kedarnath Yatra by their handlers and owners.
The petitioner has highlighted instances where equines no longer fit for carrying pilgrims are subjected to overloading, often resulting in their maltreatment and tragic demise. Furthermore, the Court was informed that some handlers resort to extreme cruelty, leading to the death of these equines, ostensibly for insurance claims.
The Court has also called for a comprehensive analysis of equine fatalities, seeking to understand the underlying causes and patterns. It has articulated concerns that insurance claims should not inadvertently incentivize cruelty towards these animals, particularly after they have outlived their usefulness due to age or injuries.
Importantly, the High Court has underscored the obligation of the State to implement a Stampede Prevention Mechanism along the pilgrimage route, ensuring the safety of pilgrims and other travelers passing through these areas.
The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for September 20.
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TAGS: Uttarakhand High Court directives equines Kedarnath Yatra welfare mules horses Gauri Maulekhi Vs State of Uttarakhand blacklisting cruelty maltreatment handlers owners rest breaks District Magistrate Rudraprayag sunset sunrise registration barrier public interest litigation PIL animal rights activist overloading insurance claims fatalities Stampede Prevention Mechanism pilgrimage route safety travelers hearing September 20.
