Hemant Gupta, J.@mdashThe challenge in the present writ petition is to the notification dated 18.06.2012 u/s 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (for short "the Act") and notification dated 21.09.2012 u/s 6 of the Act whereby the land measuring 22 Kanals is sought be acquired for a public purpose i.e. for construction of Gau Smark (cow memorial) at a public expense. Learned counsel for the petitioners contends that the raising of a memorial is not a public purpose, therefore, such acquisition is not contemplated by law.
2. Article 48 of the Constitution of India provides that the State shall endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.
3. The raising of a cow memorial is to draw public attention for improving the livestock. Such acquisition is a public purpose as it is part of mandate of Article 48 of the Constitution.
4. In view of the said fact, we do not find any merit in the present petition. Dismissed.
