Section 75 of the Delhi Police Act, 1978: Veterinary Officer to Examine the Animal

Text of Section 75: Veterinary officer to examine the animal

This provision is contained in the Delhi Police Act, 1978 (official India Code text).

Meaning and legal requirements of Section 75

1. Examination by a veterinary officer

When an animal is brought before a veterinary officer under Section 73, the officer has a statutory duty to examine it. The provision operates in the context of suspected offences involving animals under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

2. Examination with all convenient speed

The expression "with all convenient speed" requires the examination to be undertaken promptly in the circumstances. Section 75 does not prescribe a fixed number of hours for completing the examination.

3. Preparation of an examination report

The veterinary officer must draw up a report of the examination. The report records the veterinary examination and may be relevant to the subsequent investigation or judicial proceedings. Section 75 itself does not prescribe a particular report format.

4. Free copy for the accused on application

The accused person is entitled to a copy of the examination report free of charge if the accused applies for it. This entitlement is expressly conditional upon an application; Section 75 does not say that the copy must be supplied automatically without a request.

How Section 75 works with related animal protection laws

Section 73 of the Delhi Police Act: Sets out police powers concerning suspected offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, including circumstances in which an animal may be taken to a veterinary officer, a Metropolitan Magistrate or an infirmary. Under Section 73(2), an animal detained under Section 73(1) must be produced before a Metropolitan Magistrate with the least possible delay and in any event within three days of detention.

Section 74: Addresses orders a Metropolitan Magistrate may make concerning return, treatment, custody or disposal of an animal brought before the Magistrate under Section 73.

Section 76: Applies specified provisions of Section 35(3) to (7) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as far as applicable, to the detention of animals, including transport, maintenance and treatment costs.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: This central legislation addresses prevention of unnecessary pain or suffering to animals. Section 2(a) defines an "animal" as any living creature other than a human being. Section 35 concerns treatment and care of animals in infirmaries.

Frequently asked questions about Section 75

What is the purpose of Section 75 of the Delhi Police Act?

It provides for prompt veterinary examination of an animal brought under Section 73, preparation of a report and access to a free copy of that report for the accused upon application.

Can the accused request a copy of the veterinary examination report?

Yes. Section 75 expressly provides that a copy must be delivered free of charge if the accused person applies for it.

Does Section 75 specify a deadline for the veterinary examination?

No fixed hour-based deadline is specified. The statute requires examination with all convenient speed.

Does Section 75 itself prescribe a punishment?

No. Section 75 imposes procedural duties relating to examination and reporting; it does not itself state a punishment.

Official acts and reference materials

• Delhi Police Act, 1978 - official India Code PDF
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 - India Code
• Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying - Animal Welfare Division

Updated: 19 October 2026. This article provides general statutory information and should be read with the current official text and any applicable rules, notifications and judicial decisions.