High Court Denounces Indiscriminate Arrests, Grants Bail in Cow Slaughter Case

The Allahabad High Court condemned irrational arrests as gross human rights violations, emphasizing arrest as a last resort. Justice Siddhartha, during an anticipatory bail hearing, granted bail to Mohammad Tabish Raza, accused in a cow slaughter case, stating that arrests should be reserved for exceptional cases requiring custodial interrogation.

The Allahabad High Court has sharply criticized the practice of 'irrational and indiscriminate arrests,' labeling them as gross violations of human rights, and affirmed that arrest should be a measure of last resort, applicable only in 'exceptional cases.'

This statement came from Justice Siddhartha during an anticipatory bail hearing for Mohammad Tabish Raza, accused in a cow slaughter case. The judge granted anticipatory bail, asserting the necessity of arrest only when custodial interrogation of the accused is indispensable. 'After considering rival submissions, this court finds that there is a case registered or about to be registered against the applicant. It cannot be definitely said when the police may apprehend him,' said Justice Siddhartha.

In its order dated June 12, the court noted, 'After the lodging of FIR, the arrest can be made by the police at will. There is no definite period fixed for the police to arrest an accused against whom an FIR has been lodged.' The court reiterated that previous judgments have established arrest as a last option, warranted only in crucial cases where arresting the accused is vital or their custodial interrogation is required. The case against Raza, registered at Lanka Police Station, Varanasi, involves sections of the Cow Slaughter Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the Indian Penal Code. Despite government counsel's opposition citing the seriousness of the allegations, Raza's bail was granted.

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