Calcutta High Court Upholds Bengal’s Bakrid Slaughter Rules, Orders Additional Safeguards

The Calcutta High Court has refused to stay the West Bengal Government’s notification regulating animal slaughter ahead of Bakrid, observing that the notification merely implements directions already issued by the Court in 2018.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen heard multiple petitions challenging the State’s enforcement of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950. Petitioners argued that the restrictions, including mandatory “fit for slaughter” certificates for certain cattle, would negatively affect Eid-ul-Azha observances and cattle-related livelihoods.

The Court held that the May 13 notification was issued in compliance with earlier judicial directions and therefore did not require interim interference. However, the Bench directed the State to add two specific safeguards to the notification: first, that slaughter of animals in open public places is strictly prohibited, and second, that cow sacrifice is not an essential religious practice under Islam, relying on the Supreme Court ruling in Mohd. Hanif Quareshi v. State of Bihar.

The Court also instructed the State Government to decide within 24 hours on pending exemption requests filed under Section 12 of the Act due to the approaching festival dates.