Unproven beef transport allegation: Allahabad HC orders UP govt to pay ₹2 lakh compensation for illegal vehicle seizure

Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to pay Rs 2 lakh in compensation to a man whose vehicle was seized in 2024 over an unproven allegation of transporting beef.

Allowing a writ petition filed by Mohammad Chand, Justice Sandeep Jain set aside the seizure orders, noting that the petitioner suffered financial loss due to what the court termed “illegal and arbitrary” action by authorities.

The vehicle had been confiscated in October 2024 in Baghpat under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act on suspicion that it was being used to transport beef from five cows.

However, the court found that the veterinary doctor who examined the meat was unsure whether it was beef and had recommended a laboratory test for confirmation. As no report from an authorised lab was submitted, the state failed to prove the allegation.

In its April 27 order, the court observed that authorities acted without properly examining the issue, making the seizure arbitrary, illegal and unjustified under the 1955 law.

The bench also noted that the vehicle was the petitioner’s primary source of livelihood and that he suffered significant financial hardship due to its prolonged seizure. It pointed out that he had been unable to earn from it since October 18, 2024, with more than 18 months having passed.

The court further held that the burden of proof lay with the state, but the available report only described the meat as “suspected” to be from a cow or its progeny.

It directed that the vehicle be released within three days and ordered the state to pay Rs 2 lakh in damages, while allowing it to recover the amount from the officials responsible for the seizure.

The ruling came on a plea challenging both the confiscation order issued by the Baghpat district magistrate and the rejection of the petitioner’s appeal by the Meerut divisional commissioner.