The Kolhapur bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday granted permission to the Hajrat Peer Malik Rehman Mira Saheb Dargah in Vishalgad to conduct animal slaughter during Bakrid and the ensuing Urs festival, from May 29 to June 2. The permission is subject to strict adherence to hygiene, waste disposal, and law and order conditions.
Court Order Details
The order, delivered by Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale, allows the slaughter of sheep, goats, and birds (hens only). However, the permission is limited specifically to the applicant trust and its devotees. The court stated, "The said Orders and all conditions imposed therein shall apply during the festival of Bakri Eid on 28th May 2026 and Urs celebration from 29th May 2026 to 2nd June 2026. The permission shall be applicable only to the Applicant and devotees of the Applicant-Dargah."
Reference to Previous Orders
The bench referred to earlier high court orders from 2024 and 2025 on the same matter, where conditional permission for animal slaughter had been granted. The judge noted that all earlier stipulations would continue to apply.
The order further read: "Learned Advocate for the Applicant, on instructions, undertakes to ensure strict compliance of the conditions imposed in the Order dated 14th June 2024. In addition to the said conditions, learned Advocate for the Applicant, on instructions, submits that, the Applicant shall undertake to ensure that hygienic conditions are maintained at the said premises i.e. Gat No. 19 and the premises are cleaned and cleared of all waste materials including carcasses. The Applicant-Trustees and Authorized representatives shall undertake to cooperate with the administration and the Police Authorities to ensure smooth flow of traffic and the maintenance of law and order."
State Government's Opposition
The state government had opposed the plea, raising concerns that Bakrid celebrations and Urs gatherings at Vishalgad could potentially lead to law and order issues. However, the petitioner's counsel, S B Talekar, assured the court that the trust would comply with all conditions. He submitted that the trustees were ready to give undertakings to ensure the maintenance of law and order during the festivities.
The court subsequently granted conditional permission, emphasizing strict adherence to hygiene norms, removal of carcasses, and cooperation with authorities to prevent any disruption.
