Calcutta HC Upholds Bakrid Cattle Slaughter Curbs in Bengal

The Calcutta High Court has refused to stay West Bengal’s Bakrid slaughter guidelines, reiterating that cattle sacrifice without a valid fitness certificate is prohibited. The ruling has triggered fresh political reactions, with MLA Humayun Kabir openly defying the restrictions ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

HC Backs State Rules

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday declined to interfere with the West Bengal government’s restrictions on animal slaughter ahead of Bakrid, effectively allowing the state’s recently issued guidelines to remain in force during Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen observed that cattle — including cows, buffaloes, bulls and calves — cannot be slaughtered without proper certification from the competent authorities. The court also reiterated that slaughter in open or public spaces would not be permitted under any circumstances.

During the hearing, the bench referred to earlier Supreme Court observations stating that cow sacrifice is not an essential religious practice during Bakrid.

The matter had drawn attention after petitions challenged the state government’s curbs and sought relaxation ahead of the festival season.

Notification Issued Earlier

The controversy stems from a May 13 notification issued by the West Bengal government under provisions of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control laws and earlier court directions.

According to officials, the order makes it mandatory for owners seeking permission for slaughter to obtain a “fitness certificate” jointly approved by municipal authorities, panchayat representatives and a government veterinarian.

The certificate can only be granted if the animal is above 14 years of age, permanently disabled, injured, unfit for breeding, or suffering from an incurable disease.

The state also made it clear that slaughter activities would only be allowed inside recognised municipal slaughterhouses or officially designated facilities. Open roadside or public-space slaughter has been barred completely.

Officials said violations could invite imprisonment of up to six months, fines, or both.

Humayun Kabir Defiant

The High Court order quickly triggered political reactions across Bengal.

Former Trinamool Congress leader and MLA Humayun Kabir maintained that he would continue with animal sacrifice during Eid despite the restrictions. His remarks have added a political dimension to what was initially an administrative and legal issue.

Kabir’s comments drew criticism from BJP leaders, who accused sections of the opposition of encouraging illegal slaughter activities for political messaging.

State BJP leaders said illegal slaughterhouses would not be allowed to function and urged the administration to ensure strict implementation of the law during Bakrid.

Debate Over Religious Practice

The court’s reference to the “essential religious practice” doctrine became one of the most discussed aspects of Thursday’s hearing.

Legal observers noted that the bench relied on earlier Supreme Court interpretations that distinguished animal sacrifice from core religious obligations under Islam. The court did not ban Bakrid celebrations but focused specifically on regulated slaughter and compliance with existing laws.

Religious organisations in parts of the state have so far reacted cautiously, with several local committees reportedly waiting for detailed administrative instructions before finalising Bakrid arrangements.

Bengal Politics Intensifies

The ruling comes amid heightened political activity in West Bengal, where several sensitive administrative and communal issues have surfaced over the past week.

On Thursday, the state government also issued directions restricting employees from sharing official information with the media without prior approval. In another development, authorities made the singing of “Vande Mataram” compulsory in madrasas under the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court separately ordered a fresh CBI probe into allegations of a cover-up linked to the RG Kar rape and murder case, directing a three-member SIT to submit findings by June 25.

Political analysts say the Bakrid cattle slaughter issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in Bengal over the coming weeks as parties sharpen their positions ahead of upcoming political contests in the state.

Festival Preparations Continue

Despite the legal and political friction, preparations for Eid-ul-Adha continue across several districts including Kolkata, Murshidabad, Malda and North 24 Parganas.

Local administrations have reportedly begun identifying authorised slaughter facilities and increasing monitoring in sensitive areas. Police deployments are also expected to be stepped up closer to the festival period.

Officials familiar with the matter said district authorities have been instructed to maintain law and order while ensuring that court-mandated restrictions are followed strictly during Bakrid.

As of Thursday evening, the state government had not announced any fresh modifications to the existing guidelines.