Gauhati High Court Defines Limits of Inspection and Seizure Under Assam Cattle Preservation Act

The Gauhati High Court held that officers authorised under Section 11 of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 may enter, inspect, search, seize and detain evidence linked to alleged offences, but the Act does not grant power to seal premises.

The decision came in a petition challenging the sealing of a meat shop in Algapur Bazar by state officials.

The Court noted that statutory silence on sealing authority cannot imply such power and that even a Circle Officer, though authorised by the State Government under Section 11, is bound by the statute’s limits.

Declaring the sealing action ultra vires and illegal, the Court directed authorities to remove the seal and restore the shop to its original condition.