The Calcutta High Court has upheld the West Bengal government’s restrictions on cattle slaughter in public places ahead of Eid al-Adha, observing that cow sacrifice is not an essential religious practice under Islam.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen refused to stay the state government’s May 13 notification regulating the slaughter of Bulls, Bullocks, Cows, Calves and Buffaloes during the festival period. The court said the notification was in line with earlier High Court directions issued in 2018.
The case was heard after multiple petitions challenged the state’s decision to strictly enforce the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950 ahead of Bakrid celebrations. Petitioners argued that the new restrictions interfered with religious practices and imposed excessive conditions on animal slaughter.
During the hearing, the court observed that while Eid al-Adha involves animal sacrifice, cow sacrifice itself is not compulsory under Islamic practice. The bench also referred to previous judicial observations on the issue.
Under the government notification, slaughter of cattle requires fitness certificates from authorised officials and veterinary surgeons. Authorities said the measures were introduced to regulate illegal slaughter and cattle smuggling, not to target any religious community.
The ruling has triggered political debate in West Bengal, with some opposition and minority leaders criticizing the restrictions, while others urged Muslims to follow government rules and opt for alternative animals such as goats or sheep for qurbani.
