THE
CATTLE-TRESPASS ACT, 1871
(Act No.
1 of 1871)
[13th January 1871]
CONTENTS
Preliminary
Pounds and Pound-Keepers
5. Control of pounds Rates of charge for feeding impounded cattle
6. Appointment of pound-keepers.
Pound-keepers may hold other offices
Pound-keepers to be public servants
7. To keep registers and furnish returns.
9. To take charge of and feed cattle.
Impounding Cattle
11. Cattle damaging public roads, canals and embankments.
12. Fines for cattle impounded.
List of fines and charges for feeding
Delivery or Sale of Cattle
13. Procedure when owner claims the cattle and pays fines and charges
14. Procedure if cattle be not claimed within a week.
15. Delivery to owner disputing legality of seizure, but making deposit
16. Procedure when owner refuses or omits to pay the fines and expenses
Deduction of fines and expenses
Delivery of unsold cattle and balance of proceeds
17. Disposal of fines, expenses and surplus proceeds of sale.
18. [Repealed].
19. Officers and pound-keepers not to purchase cattle at sales under
Act
Pound-keepers when not to release impounded cattle
Complaints of Illegal Seizure of
Detention
22. Compensation for illegal seizure or detention.
Penalties
24. Penalty for forcibly opposing the seizure of cattle, or rescuing
the same
25. Recovery of penalty for mischief committed by causing cattle to
trespass.
26. Penalty for damage caused to land or crops or public roads by pigs.
27. Penalty on pound-keeper failing to perform duties
28. Application of fines recovered under Sections 25, 26 or 27.
Suits for Compensation
29. Saving of right to sue for compensation.
30. Set-off.
Supplemental
THE CATTLE-TRESPASS ACT, 1871
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to Trespasses by
Cattle.
Preamble. -Whereas it is expedient to consolidate and amend the law relating to
trespasses by cattle;
It is hereby enacted as follows: -
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
(1) This
Act may be called the Cattle-trespass Act, 1871; and
(2) It
extends to the whole of India except the territories which, immediately before
the Ist November, 1956, were comprised in Part B State and the Presidency-towns
and such local areas as the State Government by notification in the Official
Gazette, may from time to time exclude from its operation.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Andhra Pradesh
In its application to the State of Andhra Pradesh in Section 1,
sub-section (2) after the expression “the territories, which immediately before
the 1st November, 1956 were comprised in Part B States” insert the
expression “other than the territories, specified in sub-section (1) of Section
3 of the States Re-organisation Act, 1955 except the cities of Hyderabad and
Secunderabad”.
[Andhra
Pradesh Act 16 of 1959]
Gujarat
Same as in Maharashtra.
[Bom.
Act 13 of 1959]
Madhya Pradesh
In sub-section (2) of Section 1, after “in Part B States,” add the words
“other than the Madhya Bharat and Sironj regions of the State of Madhya Pradesh”.
[M.P.
Act 23 of 1958]
Maharashtra
In its application to the State of Maharashtra
in Section 1 the following proviso added:
“Provided that on the commencement of the
Cattle-Trespass (Bombay Extension and Amendment) Act, 1959, it shall extend to
those areas in which the Hyderabad Cattle-trespass Act, or as the case may be,
the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871, as modified and applied to the Saurashtra area
of the State of Bombay was in force immediately before such commencement.”
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
3. Interpretation-clause.
- In this Act, -
“Officer of police” includes also village watchman, and “cattle” includes
also elephants, camels, buffaloes, horses, mares, geldings, ponies, colts,
fillies, mules, asses, pigs, rams, ewes, sheep, lambs, goats and kids, and
“Local fund” means any fund under the control
or management of a local authority.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Andhra Pradesh
In its application to the State of Andhra Pradesh in Sections 3, for the
expression ‘Officer of Police’ includes also village watchman and” substitute
the expression “Officer of Police’ includes village watchman and the Police
Patel or the person discharging the functions of the Police Patel in the local
area concerned, and.”
[Andhra
Pradesh Act 16 of 1959]
Haryana
Same as in Punjab.
[Central
Act 31 of 1966]
Himachal Pradesh
Same as in Punjab
[H.P.
Act 7 of 1974]
Orissa
In its application to the State of Orissa in Section 3, at the end of the
definition of ‘local authority' add the words, “and entrusted by the State
Government under Section 31 with any function under this Act in that area.”
[Orissa Acts 15 of 1948, 22 of 1950, and
23 of 1950]
Punjab and Chandigarh
In Section 3, after the word “cattle” insert
the words “does not include such bulls as are let loose for stud purposes and
are specified by a notification in this behalf but.” [Punjab Act 24 of 1952, and Central Act 31 of 1966]
Tamil Nadu
Same as in Andhra Pradesh
[Mad.
(A.T.), A.L.O., 1961]
CHAPTER II
POUNDS AND POUND-KEEPERS
4. Establishment
of pounds. -Pounds
shall be established at such places as the Magistrate of the District, subject
to the general control of the State Government, from time to time directs.
The village by which every pound is to be used shall be determined by
the Magistrate of the District
STATE AMENDMENTS
Gujarat
Same as in Maharashtra
Maharashtra
In its application to the State of Maharashtra, in Section 4 for the
words “State Government” substitutes the word “Commissioner”.
[Bom. Act 8 of 1958]
Tamil Nadu
In Section 4, for the words “Magistrate of the
District” substitutes the words “District Collector”.
[Madras Act 20 of 1957]
5. Control
of pounds. Rates of charge for feeding
impounded cattle. -The pounds shall be under the
control of the Magistrate of the District; and he shall fix, and may from time
to time alter, the rates of charge for feeding and watering impounded cattle.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Tamil Nadu
In its application to the State of Tamil Nadu, in
Section 5, for the words “Magistrate of the District” substitutes the words “District
Collector”.
[Madras Act 20 of 1957]
6. Appointment
of pound-keepers. -The State Government shall appoint a pound keeper for every pound.
Pound-keepers may hold other offices. -Any pound-keeper may hold simultaneously any other office under the
Government.
Pound-keepers to be public servants: -Every pound-keeper shall be deemed to be a
public servant within the meaning of the
Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
STATE AMENDMENTS
Orissa
In its application to the State of Orissa, for
Section 6 substitute the following. -
“6. The
Magistrate of the District or any Officer not being below the rank of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate specially authorised by the Magistrate of the
District in this behalf shall appoint for each pound a pound-keeper. Every pound-keeper appointed by the
Magistrate of the District or by the officer so authorised may he suspended and
removed by such Magistrate or Officer.
Any pound-keeper may hold simultaneously any office under the
Government. Every pound-keeper shall be
deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of the Indian Penal Code.”
[Orissa
Acts 15 of 1948, 22 of 1950, 23 of 1950]
7. To keep
registers and furnish returns. -Every pound-keeper shall keep such registers and furnish such returns as
the State Government from time to time directs.
8. To
register seizures. -When cattle are brought to a pound, the pound keeper shall enter in his
register-
(a) The
number and description of the animals,
(b) The day
and hour on and at which they were so brought,
(c) The
name and residence of the seizure, and
[Bom. Act 8 of 1958]
(d) The
name and residence of the owner, if known, and shall give the seizure or his
agent a copy of the entry.
9. To take
charge of and feed cattle. -The pound-keeper shall take charge of, feed and water the cattle until
they are disposed of as hereinafter directed.
CHAPTER-III
IMPOUNDING CATTLE
10. Cattle damaging land. -The cultivator
or occupier of any land, or any person who has advanced cash for the cultivation of the crop or
produce on any land,
Or the vendee or mortgagee of such crop or
produce, or any part thereof, may seize or cause to be seized any cattle
trespassing on such land, and doing damage thereto or to any crop or produce
thereon, and send them or cause them to be sent within twenty four hours to the
pound established for the village in which the land is situate.
Police to aid seizures. -All officers of police shall, when required, aid in preventing (a)
resistances to such seizures and (b) rescues from persons making such seizures.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Gujarat
Same as in Maharashtra, except that for the words “State of Maharashtra”,
words “State of Gujarat” shall be substituted.
[A.L. (8 Amendment) Order, 1961)]
Himachal Pradesh
In Section 10, after the words “or any part thereof', words “or any
person authorised in this behalf, either by name or by virtue of office, by
(Government”, inserted.
[H.P. Act 7 of 1974]
Maharashtra
In its application to the State of Maharashtra,
in Section 10, after the words “or any part thereof' insert the following:-
“or a watch and ward and appointed by a panchayat established under Bombay
Village Panchayats Act, 1933 or any corresponding law in force in any part of
the State of Maharashtra, or any person authorised by State Government in this
behalf, either by name or by virtue of office.
[Bom.
Acts 34 of 1950 and 13 of I959]
Madhya Pradesh
In its application to the State Madhya Pradesh for Section 10, the
following section shall be substituted, namely:-
“10. Seizure of cattle trespassing on land doing
damage and causing hurt, etc.- The owner or occupier
of any land or the person having interest in any land may seize or cause to be
seized any cattle trespassing on such land and doing damage thereto or to any
crop, produce or property thereon belonging to such owner, occupier or
interested person, or causing hurt or injury or obstruction to any of them or
to any person by leave or licence present on, or having charge of, such land or
of any such crop, produce or property, and send them or cause to be sent within
twenty-four hours to the pound established for the local area in which the land
is situate.
[M.P. Act 23 of 1958]
All
officers of police shall, when required, aid in preventing (a) resistance to
such seizures and (b) rescues from persons making such seizures”.
11. Cattle
damaging public roads, canals and embankments. -Persons in charge of public roads,
pleasure-grounds, plantations, canals, drainage-works, embankments and the
like, and officers of police, may seize, or cause
to be seized, any cattle doing damage to such roads, grounds, plantations,
canals, drainage-works, embankments, and the like, or the sides or slopes of
such roads, canals, drainage-works, or embankments, or found straying thereon,
and shall send them or cause them to be sent within twenty-four hours to the
nearest pound.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Andhra Pradesh
In Section 11, after the word “plantations” add the word “aerodromes” at
both places; and after the words “or found staying thereon”, insert the words “or
within the premises of such aerodromes”.
[A.P. Act 30 of 1961]
Madhya
Pradesh
In Section 11 after the words “and the like” insert the words “officers
and servants of the local authorities”.
[M.P. Act 23 of 1958]
12. Fines
for cattle impounded. -For every head of cattle impounded as aforesaid, the pound-keeper shall
levy a fine in accordance with the scale for the time being prescribed by the
State Government in this behalf by
notification in the Official Gazette.
Different scales may be prescribed for different local areas.
All fines so levied shall be sent to the Magistrate of the District
through such officer as the State Government may direct.
List of fines and charges for feeding. -A list of the fines and of the rates of charge
for feeding and watering cattle shall be posted in a
conspicuous place on or near to every pound.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Gujarat
Same as in Maharashtra
[Guj. A.L. (8th Amendments) Order, 1961]
Maharashtra
(1) In its application to the State of
Maharashtra, in Section 12:-
(a) Delete
the words “head of';
(b) For the
words “Different scales may be prescribed for different local areas” substitute
the following namely:-
“Progressively increasing scales may be
prescribed in respect of cattle belonging to or kept by the same persons
according to the number of cattle impounded at a time and the number of times
such cattle are impound and different scales may be prescribed for different
local areas”.
[Bom. Act 34 of 1950]
(2) After
Section 12, the following new section shall be inserted, namely:-
“12-A.
Security in respect of impounded Cattle: -
(1) In any
local area to which the State Government may by notification in the Official
Gazette, apply this section every pound-keeper shall, before releasing any
impounded cattle, require the power of the impounded cattle, or his agent to
make, in the form to be prescribed by the State Government, a declaration
regarding the ownership of such cattle and to deposit by way of security such
sum as the State Government may, by rules, prescribe. Different scales may be prescribed for different areas or
different classes of cattle.
(2) If any
cattle belonging to such owner are impounded within a period of six months from
the date on which the security is deposited, and if the seizure is not adjudged
illegal, the amount of deposit or a part thereof, as may be directed by the
State Government by rules in this behalf-shall stand forfeited to the State
Government. If cattle are not impounded as aforesaid, the amount of security
deposit shall, on an application made by or on behalf of the depositor, be
refunded to him on the expiry of that period.
(3) On
every occasion on which the release of the cattle impounded under this Act is
claimed, the owner of the cattle shall deposit a fresh security.”
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
(3) After
Section 12-A, the following section shall be inserted, namely,
“12-A.
Security in respect of impounded cattle: -
(1) In any local area to which
the State Government may by notification in the Official Gazette, apply this
section every pound-keeper shall, before releasing any impounded cattle,
require the power of the impounded cattle, or his agent to make, in the form to
he prescribed by the State Government, a declaration regarding the ownership of such cattle and to deposit
by way of security such sum as the State Government may, by rules,
prescribe. Different scales may be
prescribed for different areas or different classes of cattle.
(2) If any
cattle belonging to such owner are impounded within a period of six months from
the date on which the security is deposited, and if the seizure is not adjudged
illegal, the amount of deposit or a part thereof, as may be directed by the
State Government by rules in this behalf shall stand forfeited to the State
Government. If cattle are not impounded
as aforesaid, the amount of security deposit shall, on an application made by
or on behalf of the depositor, be refunded to him on the expiry of that period.
(3)
On every occasion on which the release of the
cattle impounded under this Act is claimed, the owner of the cattle shall
deposit a fresh security.”
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
(4) After
Section 12-A, the following section shall be inserted, namely, -
12-B. Removal
of cattle to specified places. –
(1) If in
any local area to which the State Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, apply this section, a Mamlatdar, Tahsildar, Naib-Tahsildar or
Mahalkari is satisfied.-
(i) That the grazing land set apart for the
use of cattle of one or more villages in the taluka, tahsil or mahal under his
jurisdiction is insufficient for the cattle belonging to the permanent
residents of such village; or
(ii) That
the crops or grass standing on any agricultural land or grazing land so set
apart are likely to be damaged by cattle belonging to persons who are not
residents of such village or villages and who own more than twenty heads of
cattle,
He may,
(a) In
any case referred to in clause (i) direct any such resident owner, by special or
general order, to remove or cause to be removed all or any dry or useless
cattle belonging to him to such place or places within the State and within
such period as may be specified in the order, and
(b) In
any case referred to in clause (ii) direct any such non-resident owner, by
special or general order, to remove or cause to be removed all or any of his
cattle to such place or places within the State and within such period as may
be specified in the order.
(2) If the
owner of the cattle fails to remove the cattle as directed under sub-section
(1), the Mamlatdar, Tahsildar, Naib-Tahsildar or Mahalkari as the case may be,
may direct a police officer not blow the rank of head constable to remove or
cause to be removed such cattle to the place specified in the order.
(3) If
the Mamlatdar, Tahsildar, Naib-Tahsildar or Mahalkari is satisfied that the
order issued by him under sub-section
(1), is contravened by any owner or keeper of cattle, he may impose a fine not exceeding one thousand rupees. Any fine so imposed may, on failure of such
owner of keeper to pay the same within the specified time, be recovered by sale
of all or any of the cattle ordered to be removed under sub-section (1).”
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
Orissa
In Section 12,-
(a) For the
words “the pound-keeper shall levy a fine, substitute the words “the Local
Authority exercising jurisdiction within the area it) which the pound is
situated shall impose a fine”;
(b) The second
paragraph beginning with the words “All fines to levied” and ending with the
words “may direct” shall be on dated.
[Orissa
Acts 15 of 1948, 22 of 1950, and 23 of 1950]
Tamil Nadu
In Section 12, for the words “Magistrate of the District” substitute the
words “District Collector”.
Madhya Pradesh
(a) After
Section 12, the following section shall be inserted, namely:”
12-A. Security
in respect of cattle impounded-In any local area to
which the State Government may, by notification, apply this section, every
pound-keeper shall, before releasing any cattle, require the owner or his agent
to make, in the form to be prescribed by the State Government, a declaration
regarding the ownership of such cattle and to deposit, by way of security such
sum as the State Government may, by rule, prescribe. Different scales may be prescribed for different; areas or
different classes of cattle.
If
the cattle of such owner are impounded, within six months from the date of
deposit, and if the seizure is not adjudged illegal, the amount of deposit or
part thereof in accordance with the rules made by the State Government in this
behalf shall stand forfeited to Government.
If the cattle of such owner are not impounded as aforesaid the amount of
security shall, on application by or on behalf of the depositor, be refunded to
him on the expiry of such period. A
fresh security shall be required to be deposited on every occasion on which the
release of cattle impounded under the Act is applied for.”
[C.P.
and Barer Act 27 of 1949 Act 37 of 1956, and M.P. Act 23 of 1958].
(2) After
Section 12-A, the following section shall be inserted, namely: -
“12-B. Special
provisions regarding cattle habitually allowed to go astray.-
(1) If, on a
report received from the Magistrate of the District or a local authority, if
appears to the State Government that severe damage is being caused to crop,
produce or other property in the local area under the jurisdiction of such
Magistrate of the District or local authority by reason of the cattle being
allowed to go astray, the State Government may, by notification, apply the
provisions of this section to such local area generally or in respect of such
cattle or class of cattle as may be specified therein.
(2) Every
owner or keeper of cattle in respect of which the provisions of sub-section (1)
have been made applicable shall keep his cattle in confinement or in detention
during the period between one hour after sun set and one hour after sun rise.
(3) It
shall be lawful for any person to seize any such cattle found astray in such
local area and to send it immediately to the nearest pound. All officers of police, shall, when
required, aid in preventing resistance to such seizure and rescue from person
making such seizure.
(4) Whoever
contravenes the provisions of sub-section (2) on conviction for the first
offence, be punished with fine, which may extend to one hundred rupees and in
case of a second or subsequent offence with fine, which may extend to five
hundred rupees or with imprisonment, which may extend to six months or with
both.
(5) Any
fine imposed under this section shall, without prejudice to any other mode of
recovery provided by law, be realised by the sale of all or any of the cattle
in respect of which the offence has been committed.
Explanation. -For the purposes of this
section,-
(i) “To
keep in confinement” shall mean to keep the cattle effectively confined within
any fencing, wall or compound; and
(ii)
“To keep in detention” shall mean to keep the
cattle effectively detained by any rope or other sufficiently strong tie.”
[MP Act 11 of 1960]
CHAPTER- IV
DELIVERY OR SALE OF CATTLE
13. Procedure
when, owner claim the cattle and pays fines and charges. -If the owner of the impounded cattle or his
agent appear and claim the cattle, the pound-keeper shall deliver them to, him
on payment of the fines and charges incurred in respect of such cattle.
The owner or his agent, on taking back the cattle, shall sign a receipt
for them in the register kept by the pound-keeper.
[Madras
Act 20 of 1957, and Mad. Act 23 of
1960]
STATE AMENDMENTS
Gujarat
Same as in
Maharashtra.
[Guj. A.L.O. 1960]
Madhya Pradesh
To the first paragraph of section13, add at the end of words and figures
“and on deposit of the amount of Security prescribed under Section 12-A”
[M.P.
Act 23 of 1958]
Maharashtra
To the first paragraph of Section 13, add the following, namely,-
“And on depositing the amount of security prescribed under Section 12-A”.
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
14. Procedure
if cattle be not claimed within a week. -If the cattle be not claimed within seven days from the
date of their being impounded, the pound keeper shall report the fact to the
officer in charge of the nearest police- station, or to such other officer as
the Magistrate of the District appoints in
this behalf.
Such officer shall thereupon stick up in a conspicuous part of his
office a notice stating-
(a) The
number and description bf the cattle,
(b) The
place where they were seized,
(c) The
place where they are impounded,
And shall cause proclamation of the same to be made by beat of drum in
the village and at the marketplace nearest to the place of seizure.
If the cattle be not claimed within seven days from the date of the
notice, they shall be sold by public auction by the said officer, or an officer
of his establishment deputed for that purpose, at such place and time and
subject to such conditions as the Magistrate of the District by general or
special order from time to time directs:
Provided that if any such cattle are, in the opinion of the Magistrate
of the District, not likely to fetch a fair price if sold as aforesaid, they
may be disposed of in such manner as he thinks fit.
STATE AMENDMFNTS
Gujarat
Same as in Maharashtra.
[Act 11 of 1960]
Haryana
Same as in Punjab.
[Central
Act 31 of 1966]
Himachal Pradesh
In its application to the State of Himachal Pradesh, in Section 14, for
the word “seven” occurring for the first time, substitute the word, “three” and
for “seven” occurring for the second time, substitute the word “four”.
[H.P. Act 7 of 1974]
Madhya Pradesh
For the existing provisos, substitute the following provisions, namely:
-
“Provided that the Magistrate of the district or an officer authorised
by him in this behalf may notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, sell
infirm and maimed cattle, pigs and asses at any time after the expiry of five
days from the date of their being impounded, without the issue of a notice and
proclamation:
Provided further that if no person offers to purchase at a reasonable
price the cattle sold under this section, the Magistrate of the District of an
officer authorised by him in this behalf may, in the manner prescribed under
rules made under Section 32, dispose of such cattle, including in the case of
pigs and assess destruction.”
[M.P.
Act 23 of 1958]
Maharashtra
In the proviso to Section 14, for the words “Magistrate of the District”,
the words “officer authorised to sell them by public auction” shall be
substituted.
[Bom. Act 5 of 1931]
Punjab and Chandigarh
In Section 14, for the word “seven” where it occurs for the first time,
substitute the word “three” and where it occurs for the second time, substitute
the word “four”.
Add the following after Section 14,-
“14-A.Procedure for speedy disposal of certain
unclaimed cattle. -Notwithstanding anything
contained in Section 14 where any unattached calf, kid or lamb or any decrepit,
weak or maimed cattle is impound, the pound-keeper shall report the fact to the
officer specified in that section within twenty-four hours of the impounding
and such officer shall, within twenty-four hours of such report and if such
unattached calf, kid or lamb or cattle has not been claimed within twenty-four
hours of its impounding cause them to be disposed of by auction or otherwise
after a proclamation of its disposal has been made by beat of drum in the
village and at the market-place nearest to the place of seizure and in such
other manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that if in the opinion of the
Magistrate of the district the disposal of any such unattached calf, kid or
lamb or cattle is not likely to fetch a fair price, he may send such cattle to
any gosadan or pinjrapole.
Explanation. - For the purposes of this
section the expression, -
(a) “Gosadan”
or “pinjrapole” means a place or an institution where old, decrepit, wounded or
otherwise non-productive or useless cattle are kept for the purpose of
maintenance and not for any commercial purpose, whether such place or
institution is managed by Government or by a private society or person; and
(b) “Unattached
calf kid or lamb” means a calf, kid or lamb not attached to its mother.”
[Punjab
Act 18 of 1959]
Tamil
Nadu
In section 14, for
the words 'Magistrate of the District substitute the words ‘District
collector’
[Madras Act 20 of 1957]
15. Delivery
to owner disputing legality of seizure, but making deposit. -If the owner or his agent appear and refuse to
pay the said fines and expenses, on the ground that the seizure was illegal,
and that the owner is about to make a complaint under section 20, then upon deposit of the fines and charges incurred in respect of the cattle, the
cattle shall be delivered to him.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Gujarat
Same as in Maharashtra.
[Gujarat
A.0. 1960]
Madhya Pradesh
For Section 15, substitute the following section, namely: -
“15. Delivery
of cattle to owner disputing legality of seizure but making deposit. -If the owner or his agent appears and refuses to pay the said fines and
expenses, and to deposit the said amount of security and to make the said
declaration, on the ground that the seizure was illegal and that the owner is
about to make a complaint under Section 20, then upon deposit of the fines and
charges incurred in respect of the cattle as well as the amount of security and
upon making a declaration as required by Section 12-A, the cattle shall be
delivered to him.”
[C.P. and Berar Act 27 of 1949 and M.P. Act
23 of 1958]
Maharashtra
Section 15 shall be renumbered as sub-section (1) of that section, and
after sub-section (1), as, so renumbered, insert the following sub-section,
namely: -
“(2) If on
any complaint referred to in sub-section (1) the seizure is declared to be
lawful, or if the owner or his agent fails to make such complaint within period
of four weeks from the date of delivery of the cattle to him, the pound-keeper
shall require such owner or agent to make a declaration and to deposit the
amount of security as required by Section 12-A. If the owner of his agent fails to make such declaration or to
deposit such amount, the cattle delivered to him under sub-section (1) shall be
seized again for the purpose of Section 16”.
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
16. Procedure when owner refuses or omits to pay the fines and expenses. -If
the owner or his agent appear and refuse or omit to pay or (in the case
mentioned in Section 15) to deposit the said fines and expenses, the cattle, or
as many of them as may be necessary, shall be sold by public auction by such
officer, at such place and time and subject to such conditions as are referred
to in Section 14.
Deduction of fines and expenses. -The fines leviable and the expenses of feeding and
watering together with the expenses of sale,
if any, shall be deducted from the proceeds of the sale.
Delivery of unsold cattle and balance of proceeds. -The remaining cattle and the balance of the
purchase-money, if any, shall be delivered to the owner
or his agent, together with an account showing, -
(a) The
number of cattle seized,
(b) The
time during which they have been impounded,
(c) The
amount of fines and charges incurred,
(d) The
number of cattle sold,
(e) The proceeds
of sale, and
(f) The
manner in which those proceeds have been disposed of.
Receipt. -The owner or his agent shall give a receipt for the cattle delivered to
him and for the balance of the purchase-
money (if any) paid to him according to such account.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Gujarat:
Same as in the Maharashtra.
[Guj.
A.L.O. 1960]
Madhya Pradesh
Same as in Maharashtra.
[M.P. Act. 23 of 1958]
Maharashtra
In Section 16, for the first and second paragraphs substitute the
following new paragraphs namely:-
“If the owner or his agent appears and refuses or omits to pay the said
fines and expenses and to deposit the said amount of security or (in the case
mentioned in Section 15) to deposit the said fines, expenses and amount of
security or to make a declaration as required by Section 12-A, the cattle or as
many of them as may be necessary, shall be sold by public auction by such
officer, at such place and time, and subject to such conditions, as are
referred to in Section 14, or disposed of in accordance with the provisions
therein.
The fines leviable and the expenses of feeding and watering together
with the expenses of sale, if any, and the amount of security prescribed under
Section 12-A shall be deducted from the proceeds of the sale.”
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
17. Disposal
of fines, expenses and surplus proceeds of sale. -The officer by whom the sale was made shall
send to the Magistrate of the District the fines so deducted.
The charges for feeding and watering deducted
under Section 16 shall be paid over to the pound-keeper
who shall also retain and appropriate all sums received by him on account of
such charges under Section 13.
The surplus unclaimed proceeds of the sale of cattle shall be sent to
the Magistrate of the District, who shall hold them in deposit for three
months, and, if no claim thereto be preferred and established within the period
shall, at its expiry, be deemed to hold them as part of the revenues of the
State.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Gujarat
Same as in Maharashtra.
[Bom.
Act 13 of 1959]
Haryana and Chandigarh
Same as in Punjab.
[Central Act 31 of 1966]
Himachal Pradesh
Same as in Punjab.
Madhya Pradesh
In Sectionl7, after the second paragraph insert the following, namely: -
“The amount of security required under Section 12-A shall be deposited
with the pound-keeper.”
[M.P. Act 23 of 1958]
Maharashtra
In Section 17, after the second paragraph, insert the following, namely:
-
“The amount of
security required under Section 12-A shall be deposited with the pound-keeper.”
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
Orissa
In Section 17, for the words “be deemed to hold them as part of the
revenues of the State”, substitute the words “dispose of them as hereinafter
provided.”
[Orissa
Acts 15 of 1948 and 23 of 1950]
Punjab
In Section 17, for the words “beginning with deposit for three months”
and ending with “revenues of the State”, substitute the words” and if no claim
thereto is preferred within six months from the date of deposit or if such
claim having been preferred within this period is not established, such
proceeds shall stand forfeited to the State.”
[Punjab Act 24 of 1952, and Central 31 of 1966]
Tamil Nadu
In Section 17, for the words “Magistrate of the District”, substitute
the words “District Collector”.
[Madras
Act 20 of 1957]
18. [Application of fines and
unclaimed proceeds of sales.] Rep. by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
After Section 17, insert the following:-
“18. Application of fines. -Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 12 or Section 17, the
fines levied in respect of every head of cattle impounded in any pound within
the local limits of the jurisdiction of any local authority shall be sent to
that local authority and the local authority shall utilise the sums so received
for, -
(a) Paying
the remuneration of the pound keeper; and
(b) Meeting
the expenses incur-red for any of the purposes connected with the execution of
this Act, other than the construction and maintenance of pounds; and credit the
balance, if any, to its fund.”
[Regulation 3 of 1975]
Orissa
After Section 17, the following section inserted.
“18. All sums received on account of fines and the unclaimed proceeds
of the sale of cattle shall be sent to the Local Authority concerned and out of
those sums there shall be paid,
(a) The
remuneration of the pound-keepers;
(b) The
expenses incurred for the construction and maintenance of pounds, or for any
other purposes connected with the execution of this Act and the surplus, if
any, shall be credited to the fund of the said Local Authority.”
[Orissa Acts 15 of 1948; 22 of 1950 and 23 of 1950]
19. Officers
and pound-keepers not to purchase cattle at sales under Act. -No officer of police, or other officer or
pound-keeper appointed under the provisions herein contained shall, directly or indirectly, purchase any cattle at a sale under this Act.
Pound-keepers when not to release
impounded cattle.-No pound-keeper shall release or
deliver any
impounded cattle otherwise than in accordance with the former part of this
Chapter, unless such release or delivery is ordered by a Magistrate or Civil
Court.
CHAPTER V
COMPLAINTS OF ILLEGAL SEIZURE OF DETENTION
20. Power to
make complaints. -Any person whose cattle have been seized under this Act, or, having been
so seized, have been detained in contravention of this Act, may, at any time
within ten days from the date of the seizure, make a complaint to the
Magistrate of the District or any Magistrate
authorized to receive and try charges without reference by the Magistrate of
the District.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh
In Section 20, for the words “a magistrate of the District or any
Magistrate authorised to receive and try charges without reference by the
Magistrate of the District”, substitute the-words “the Chief Judicial
Magistrate or any other Judicial Magistrate authorised to receive and try
charges without reference by the Chief Judicial Magistrate”.
[Punjab Act 25 of 1964, and Central Act 31 of 1966]
21. Procedure on complaint. -The complaint shall be made by the complainant
in person, or by an agent personally acquainted with the circumstances. It may be either in writing or verbal. If it be verbal, the substance of it shall
be taken down in writing by the Magistrate.
If the Magistrate, on examining the complainant
or his agent, sees reason to believe the complaint to be well founded, he shall
summon the person complained against, and make an inquiry into the case,
22. Compensation
for illegal seizure or detention. -If the seizure or detention be adjudged illegal, the
Magistrate shall award to the complainant, for the loss caused by the seizure
or detention, reasonable compensation, not exceeding
one hundred rupees, to be paid by the person who made the seizure or detained
the cattle, together with all fines paid and expenses incurred by the
complainant in procuring the release of the cattle,
Release of cattle. -And, if the cattle have not been released, the Magistrate shall, besides
awarding such compensation, order their release and direct that the fines and
expenses leviable under this Act shall be paid
by the person who made the seizure or detained the cattle.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Madhya Pradesh
After Section 22, the following section 22-A inserted-
“22-A. Refund of security deposit
and cancellation of forfeiture if any. -Where the seizure of any cattle has been adjudged
illegal, the security deposit made in respect of such seizure shall be refunded
and the forfeiture of any security deposit made in consequence of such seizure
shall be cancelled.”
[M.P. Act 23 of 1958]
Tamil Nadu
After Section 22, the following Section 22-A shall be inserted, -
“22-A. Appeal
against order of compensation.-Any person who has
been ordered by a Magistrate under Section 22 to pay compensation may appeal
from the order as if such person had been convicted on a trial held by such
Magistrate.
(2) When
an order for payment of compensation to a complainant is made in a case which
is subject to appeal under sub-section (1), the compensation shall not be paid
to him before the period allowed for the presentation of the appeal has
elapsed, or, if an appeal is presented, before the appeal has been decided and
where such order is made in a case which is not so subject to appeal, the
compensation shall not be paid before the expiration of one month from the date
of the order.”
[Madras Act 20 of 1957]
1[23. Recovery of compensation. -The compensation, fines and expenses mentioned
in Section 22 may be recovered as if they were fines imposed by the Magistrate.]
1. See
Sections 63 to 70 of the Indian Penal Code (Act 45 of 1860) and Section 421 of
the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), also Section 25 of the
General clauses Act, 1897 (10 of 1897).
CHAPTER VI
PENALTIES
24. Penalty for forcibly opposing the seizure
of cattle or rescuing the same. - Whoever forcibly opposes the
seizure of cattle liable to be seized under this Act,
And whoever rescues the same after seizure,
either from a pound, or from any person taking
or about to take them to a pound, such person being near at hand and acting
under the powers conferred by this Act,
Shall, on conviction before a Magistrate, be punished with imprisonment
for a period not exceeding six months, or with fine not exceeding five hundred
rupees, or with both.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh
In Section 24 omit the words “before a Magistrate”.
[Punjab Act 25 of 1964, and Central Act 31 of 1966]
West Bengal
Section 24, Section shall be renumbered as sub-section (1) and following
added as sub-section (2); “(2) offences under this section shall be cognizable
and bailable.”
[West Bengal Act 4 of 1956]
Uttar Pradesh
After Section 24, the following section 24-A inserted, -
“24-A. Compounding
of offences under Section 24. -The offences
punishable under Section 24 may, with the permission of the Court before which
any prosecution for such offence is pending, be compounded, -
(a) Where
the cattle is rescued after seizure from a pound, by the local authority owning
or maintaining the pound or, if such local authority has nominated any person
in that behalf, by such person; and
(b) In
other cases by the person who was opposed in seizing the cattle or, as the case
may be, from whom the cattle was rescued.”
[U.P. Act 12 of 1957]
25. Recovery
of penalty for mischief committed by causing cattle to trespass. -Any fine imposed under the next following
section or for the offence of mischief by causing cattle to trespass on any
land may be recovered by sale of all or any of the cattle by which the trespass
was committed, whether they were seized in the act of trespassing or not, and
whether they are the property of the person convicted of the
offence, or were only in his charge when the trespass was committed.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Maharashtra & Gujarat
In Section 26, -
(a) Number
the first paragraph as sub-section (1) of Section 26;
(b) After
sub-section (1) so numbered, insert the following, -
“(2) Magistrate
trying the offence under sub-section (1) may order, -
(a) Number
the first paragraph as sub-section (1) of Section 26;
(b) After
sub-section (1) so numbered, insert
the following, -
“(2) Magistrate
trying the offence under subsection (1) may order, -
(a) That
the accused shall pay such compensation, not exceeding two hundred and fifty
rupees, as the Magistrate considers responsible, to any person for any damage
proved to have been caused to his crop or other produce of land by the accused
committing the offence;
(b) That
the pigs in respect of which the offence has been committed shall be forfeited
to the State Government.
(3) Any
compensation awarded under sub-section (2) may be recovered as if it was a fine
imposed under this section”.
(c) Number
the second paragraph as sub-section (4) of Section 26 and in sub-section (4) so
numbered delete the words “the foregoing portion of'.
[Bom. Act 34 of 1950, and
Mah. Act 2 of 1960]
Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana & Himachal Pradesh
(i) Re-number
Section 26 as sub-section (1) thereof and add the following sub-section:-
“(2) While
convicting such person, the Magistrate may also, -
(a) Require
him to pay to the person whose land, crop or produce has been damaged such
compensation, not exceeding two hundred and fifty rupees, as may be considered
reasonable, and
(b) Order
that the cattle in respect of which the offence has been committed shall, in
addition to any other penalty imposed, be forfeited to the state.”
[Punjab Act 24 of 1952 Central Act 31 of 1966, and H.P. Act 7 of 1974]
(ii) Omit
the words “before a Magistrate”.
[Punjab Act 25 of 1964]
Uttar Pradesh
For section 26, substitute the following, -
“26. Penalty for damage caused to land by cattle.
-Any owner, keeper on attendant of cattle, who through
neglect or otherwise, damages or caused or permits to be damaged any land, or
any crop or produce of land by allowing such cattle to trespass thereon, shall,
on conviction before the Magistrate, be liable to a fine not less than Rs. 10
but not exceeding Rs. 250 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three
months or to both.”
[U.P. Act 7 of 1954]
Madhya Pradesh
After Section 26, insert the following section 26A, -
“26-A.Cognizance of offence.-No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under Section
26 except on a report in writing of the facts constituting such offence made by
the person aggrieved by such offence or by a person who is a public servant as
defined in Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.”
[M.P. Act 23 of 1958]
26. Penalty
for damage caused to land or crops or public roads, by pigs. - Any owner or keeper of pigs who through
neglect or otherwise, damages or causes or permits to be damaged any land, or
any crop or produce of land, or any public road, by allowing such pigs to
trespass thereon, shall, on conviction before a
Magistrate, be punished with fine not exceeding ten rupees.
The State Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, may from
time to time, with respect to any local area specified in the notification,
direct that the foregoing portion of this section shall be read as if it had
reference to cattle generally, or to cattle of a kind described in the
notification, instead of to pigs only, or as if the words “fifty rupees” were
substituted for the words “ten rupees” or as if there were both such reference
and such substitution.
27. Penalty
on pound-keeper failing to perform duties. -Any pound-keeper releasing or purchasing or
delivering cattle contrary to the provisions of Section 19, or omitting to
provide any impounded cattle with sufficient food and water, or failing to
perform any of the other duties imposed upon
him by this Act, shall, over and above any other penalty to which he may be
liable, be punished, on conviction before a Magistrate, with fine not exceeding
fifty rupees.
Such fines may be recovered by deductions from the pound-keeper's
salary.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana
In Section 27, -omit the words 'before a Magistrate'.
[Punjab Act 25 of 1964 & Central Act 37 of 1966]
28. Application
of fines recovered under Sections 25, 26 or 27. -All fines recovered under Section 25, Section
26 or Section 27 may be appropriated in whole or in
part as compensation for loss or damage proved to the satisfaction of the
convicting Magistrate.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Uttar Pradesh
For Section 28 as may be substituted in its application to Uttar
Pradesh. See amendments under Section 26.
Maharashtra & Gujarat
After Section 28, insert the following section, -
“28-A Offence under Section 26 to be cognizable. -The offence under Section 26 shall be cognizable.”
[Bom. Act 34 of 1950, and
Gujarat A.L. (Statements) order 1961]
CHAPTER VII
SUITS FOR COMPENSATION
29. Saving
of right to sue for compensation. - Nothing
herein contained prohibits any person whose crops or other produce of land have
been damaged by trespass of cattle from suing for compensation in any competent Court.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Gujarat
Same as in Maharashtra.
[Guj. A.L. (8th Amendment order, 1961)]
Madhya Pradesh
In Section 29 for the words “whose crops or other produce of land have
been damaged” substitute the words “whose property, crops or other produce of
land have been damaged or to whom any hurt or injury or obstruction has been
caused.”
[M.P.
Act 23 of 1958]
Maharashtra
For Section 29 of the principal Act, substitute the following namely, -
“29. Saving of right to sue for compensation. -Nothing herein contained prohibits any person whose property, crops or
other produce of land have been damaged or to whom any hurt or injury or
obstruction has been caused by trespass of cattle from suing for compensation
in any competent Court.”
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
30. Set-off.
-Any
compensation paid to such person under this Act by order of the convicting
Magistrate shall be set-off and deducted from any sum claimed by or awarded to
him as compensation in such suit.
CHAPTER VIII
SUPPLEMENTAL
31. Power
for State Government to transfer certain functions to local authority and
direct credit of surplus receipts to local fund. -The State
Government may, from time to time, by notification in the Official Gazette, -
(a) Transfer
to any local authority, within any part of the territories under its
administration in which this Act is in operation, all or any of the functions
of the State Government or the Magistrate of the District under this Act,
within the local area subject to the jurisdiction of the local authority.
STATE AMENDMENTS
Madhya Pradesh
In Section 31, add the following proviso to clause (a), -
“Provided that if in any area any of the functions of the State
Government or the Magistrate of the District under this Act were, immediately
before the commencement of the Madhya Pradesh Extension of Laws Act, 1958,
being performed by a local authority, then on such commencement all such
functions shall be deemed to have been transferred to such local authority under
this section.”
[M.P. Act 23 of 1958]
After Section 31, insert the following section, -
“32. Power to
make rules. -The State Government may make rules, -
(a) Prescribing
the form of, and the procedure relating to the making of, the declaration and the
scales of deposit to be made under Section 12-A;
(b) Prescribing
the procedure regulating the making of security deposit, custody and refund
thereof;
(c) The
manner in which any cattle may be disposed of.”
[M.P. Act 23 of 1958]
Tamil Nadu
In Section 31, for the words “Magistrate of District”, substitute the
words “District Collector”.
[Madras
Act 20 of 1957]
Andhra Pradesh
After Section 31, add the following section, -
“32. Power to make rules. –
(1) The
State Government may, by notification published in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette,
make rules to carry out the purpose of this Act.
(2) All
rules made under this section shall, as soon a.-, may be, after they are made, be
placed on the table of the Legislative Assembly and shall be subject to such
modifications, whether by way of repeal or amendment as the Legislative
Assembly may make within fourteen days thereafter during the session in which
they are so placed.”
[A.P. Act 1 of 1959]
Gujarat
Same as in Maharashtra.
[(Guj.
A.L. (Eight Amendment) Order, 1961]
Maharashtra
After Section 31, insert the following section,-
“32. Power to make rules. –
(1) The
State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for
carrying into effect the purpose of this Act.
(2) In
particular but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision,
such rules may provide for the following matters, namely,-
(i) The
form of, and the procedure relating to the declaration, and the scales of
deposits to be made, under Section 12-A;
(ii) The
procedure regulating the making of security deposits, custody and refund
thereof;
(iii) The manner
in which any cattle may be disposed of;
(iv) Any
other matter which is to be or may be prescribed.
(3) The
power to make rules under this section shall be subject to the condition of
previous publication in the Official Gazettee.
(4) All
rules made under this section shall be laid before each House of the
Legislature as soon as may be after they are made, and shall be subject to such
modifications as the State Legislature may make during the session in which
they are so laid, or the session immediately following.”
[Bom. Act 13 of 1959]
West Bengal
For Section 31 insert the following sessions, -
“32. Power for Magistrate of the District to
appoint Chairman of Municipalities or President of Union Boards to discharge
the functions of an officer under Section 14. -
(1) The
Magistrate of the District may appoint for the purposes of, this Act, a
Chairman of a Municipality constituted under the Bengal Municipal Act, 1932, or
a President of Union Board constituted under the Bengal Village Self- Government
Act, 1919, to discharge the functions of an office appointed under Section 14,
in respect of cattle impounded with the area included within that municipality
or within the area subject to the jurisdiction of that Union Board as the case
may be:
Provided that a Chairman or President so
appointed may, by general or special order, delegate to the Vice-Chairman of
such municipality or the Vice-President of such Union Board, as the case may
be, all, or any of the functions of an officer appointed under Section 14 which
such Chairman or President is entitled to discharge and may at any time
withdraw the same.
(2) A
Chairman or President so appointed, or a Vice-Chairman or Vice-President to
whom the Chairman or the President, as the case may be, may have delegated all
or any of the functions referred to in sub-section (1), shall not, directly or
indirectly, purchase any cattle at a sale under this Act.”
“33. Delegation of certain powers of the
Magistrate of this District. -This Magistrate of the
District may, by an order in writing, delegate the powers specified below to
any Magistrate subordinate to him,
(1) The
determination of the manner of disposal of unclaimed impounded cattle under the
proviso to Section 14; and
(2) The
settlement of claims in respect of surplus unclaimed proceeds of the sale of
cattle held in deposit under Section 17.”
[Bengal Act 4 of 1947]
[SCHEDULE]. -Rep. by the Repealing Act,
1938 (1 of 1938), Sec. 2 and Sch.