New Delhi, July 31 -- Observing that stray cattle are "not meant to be natural speed breakers" on roads and that accidents involving bovines have become an increasingly common reality across the country, the Supreme Court on Friday called upon the Centre and state governments to evolve a comprehensive mechanism to prevent such incidents and provide compensation to victims.

Allowing an appeal filed by the widow of a man who died after suffering grievous injuries in a stray bull attack, the apex court awarded a lump sum compensation of Rs 15 lakh and directed that the amount be paid within four weeks.

It also directed that a copy of the judgment be circulated to the Chief Secretaries of all States, Administrators of Union Territories and ...