The Calcutta High Court has declined to intervene in the West Bengal government's notification that restricts the slaughter of bulls, bullocks, cows, calves, and buffaloes in the lead-up to Bakr Eid next week. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen observed that the notification was issued in accordance with prior court directives that had already become final.
Court's Observations
The bench noted the Supreme Court's earlier stance that cow sacrifice is not an essential practice of Id-Uz-Zuha. The court emphasized that the notification was a compliance measure based on earlier rulings. However, the bench directed the state government to decide within 24 hours on exemption requests submitted under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act.
Directions to Authorities
The court instructed authorities to assess certification mechanisms, infrastructure, and officer availability for animal slaughter across the state. This includes evaluating whether adequate facilities and personnel are in place to handle slaughter activities legally.
The ruling comes ahead of Bakr Eid, a festival where animal sacrifice is traditionally observed. The West Bengal government's notification aims to regulate cattle slaughter, balancing religious practices with legal and animal welfare considerations.
