Almora/Nainital: The widely discussed camel case from Almora has now entered a new legal phase, with camel owner Shahid Ansari filing a criminal writ petition before the Uttarakhand High Court at Nainital. The petition challenges FIR No. 63/2026 and all consequential administrative and police actions arising from it.
The petition has been filed by Advocate Vinod Chandra Tiwari with the assistance of Senior Advocates Prabhakar Joshi and Bhupesh Singh Bisht.
The State of Uttarakhand, Secretary (Animal Husbandry Department), District Magistrate Almora, Senior Superintendent of Police Almora, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Almora, Station House Officer of Kotwali Almora, the Investigating Officer, the NGO “Help in Suffering,” and the complainant woman have been impleaded as respondents.
According to the petition, the authorities allegedly took custody of the petitioner’s two camels and handed them over to a private NGO without conducting a fair and independent inquiry. It further claims that a government veterinary officer had found both camels to be healthy, yet the petitioner was deprived of their custody without being afforded an effective opportunity of hearing.
The petition contends that the administrative action violated the principles of natural justice and due process. It also refers to an incident dated June 23, 2026, alleging that the complainant obtained the petitioner’s signature/thumb impression on a written document. The legality of the subsequent FIR and administrative measures has also been questioned before the Court.
The petition further states that on June 28, 2026, the petitioner, accompanied by his counsel, approached the district administration to submit a memorandum. It is alleged that the memorandum was not accepted and that the petitioner’s advocate was subjected to inappropriate treatment during the incident.
Relying upon Section 29 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the petitioner argues that depriving an owner of custody of animals before any conviction by a competent court is inconsistent with the statutory framework of the Act.
The petitioner has sought quashing of FIR No. 63/2026, restoration of interim custody of the camels, and protection against any coercive action during the pendency of the proceedings.
Advocate Vinod Chandra Tiwari stated that the case is not merely about one individual or two camels but concerns the rule of law, constitutional governance, and protection of citizens’ legal rights. He expressed confidence that the High Court would examine the matter independently and ensure that justice is delivered in accordance with law.
The matter is now expected to be heard before the Uttarakhand High Court. Legal experts, civil society organisations, and members of the public are closely watching the proceedings, as the Court’s decision may have significant implications for administrative accountability, animal welfare laws, and the protection of individual legal righ jits.
