Supreme Court Mandates Action on Stray Cattle on Indian Highways

The Supreme Court of India has formally issued a notice to the central government and other pertinent authorities regarding the ongoing issue of stray cattle obstructing national and state highways. The judicial intervention follows a filed plea that highlights the significant safety risks and traffic management failures caused by roaming livestock on major thoroughfares.

In its directive, the apex court has signaled a requirement for the government to address the regulatory and logistical challenges involved in clearing these animals from high-speed corridors. The plea emphasizes that the presence of stray cattle not only poses a direct threat to commuters but also contributes to frequent traffic congestion and preventable road accidents. Authorities are now expected to respond to the court’s notice, providing a framework for how they intend to manage and relocate the cattle to ensure safer travel conditions across the nation's infrastructure network.