📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Pinakpani
National
Supreme Court Urges Compensation Scheme for Road Accident Victims Hit by Stray Cattle
✍️ Bar and Bench
🗓 01 Aug 2026, 03:03 AM
👁 35
The Supreme Court has called for a compensation policy for victims of road accidents caused by stray cattle, highlighting the danger posed by roaming livestock on highways.
The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive urging the establishment of a compensation policy for individuals injured in road accidents involving stray cattle. In a recent hearing, the court highlighted the increasing frequency of such incidents and the severe injuries they cause.
The bench noted that while existing laws address traffic violations, there is no specific framework to support victims when livestock on the road is the cause of an accident. It called on the central and state governments to formulate a clear mechanism for timely and adequate compensation.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over road safety, as stray cattle have been identified as a major hazard on many highways across the country. The court’s directive is expected to prompt legislative action and better coordination between traffic authorities and animal control agencies.
The bench noted that while existing laws address traffic violations, there is no specific framework to support victims when livestock on the road is the cause of an accident. It called on the central and state governments to formulate a clear mechanism for timely and adequate compensation.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over road safety, as stray cattle have been identified as a major hazard on many highways across the country. The court’s directive is expected to prompt legislative action and better coordination between traffic authorities and animal control agencies.