HC notice to state on plea over powers to cow vigilantes

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday issued notice of motion to the State of Haryana on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Sections 16 and 17 of the Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act, 2015. Among other things, the petitioner contended that it unlawfully delegated coercive sovereign powers to private individuals and vigilante groups.

The petition contended that the impugned provisions permitted “any person authorised by the government” to exercise powers of search, seize and prosecute, without laying down any qualifications, safeguards or accountability mechanisms.

Haryana Tribune