Interpretation of Reverse Burden and Proof of Intent Under Cattle Preservation Laws

sketch of the Supreme Court of India
Case
SAURABH BAJAJ v. STATE OF CHHATTISGARH (Supreme Court of India, 29-09-2026)
Law
Jurisprudence.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Analysis of statutory ingredients required under Section 6 of the Chhattisgarh Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 2004.
  • Scope and applicability of the reverse burden of proof mandated under Section 11 of the Act.
  • Judicial clarification that the absence of transport documents cannot solely raise a presumption of cattle transport for slaughter.
  • Evaluation of expert veterinary evidence establishing the agricultural utility of seized cattle to negate criminal intent.