The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has moved to tighten enforcement of cattle slaughter regulations, issuing a modified public notice under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950. The notice reiterates that no cattle or buffalo can be slaughtered without mandatory official certification declaring the animal fit for slaughter.
Key Provisions of the Modified Notice
The notice makes clear that no slaughter can take place in open public spaces. Animals are permitted to be slaughtered only at municipal slaughterhouses or facilities specifically designated by the local administration.
Fitness Certification Requirements
Under the rules, a fitness certificate will be issued only after the Chairperson of a municipality or the President of a panchayat samiti, along with a government veterinary officer, jointly certify in writing that the animal meets specific criteria. These include being over 14 years of age and no longer fit for work or breeding, or having become permanently incapacitated due to old age, injury, deformity, or any incurable disease.
In case an application for certification is rejected, the applicant can appeal to the state government within 15 days of receiving the rejection.
Penalties for Violation
Violation of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, can attract imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both.
Legal and Political Context
The move cites provisions of the 1950 law as well as a 2018 Calcutta High Court order, effectively reinforcing existing legal restrictions rather than introducing an entirely new law. The development comes days after the BJP’s sweeping victory in the West Bengal assembly elections, marking the end of 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule under Mamata Banerjee. The BJP won 206 seats in the 294-member assembly, a sharp jump from its previous tally of 77, while the TMC was reduced to 80 seats.
The modified notice is among the first major administrative measures announced by the new government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
