Mahua Moitra moves Calcutta HC against cattle slaughter restrictions before Eid-al-Adha

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday heard a petition challenging the West Bengal government’s recent notification regulating cattle slaughter ahead of Eid-al-Adha. The plea was moved before a division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen by Trinamool Congress MLA Akhruzzaman, while TMC MP Mahua Moitra also appeared during the hearing.

The petition challenges a state notification issued earlier this month under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950. According to the notification, slaughter of bulls, bullocks, cows, calves and buffaloes can only take place after obtaining a “fit certificate” from the authorities. The notification further states that only animals above 14 years of age or those permanently incapacitated due to injury, deformity, old age or incurable disease would qualify for slaughter following certification.

During the hearing, Mahua Moitra submitted before the court that the notification would financially impact economically weaker sections dependent on cattle rearing and sale. The petitioners also argued that the restrictions interfered with the practice of qurbani associated with Eid-al-Adha and raised concerns regarding the implementation of the notification ahead of the festival.

The division bench adjourned the matter after observing that copies of the petition had not yet been served upon the state and central governments. The court directed that the matter be listed as the first case for hearing on Thursday morning. The notification also requires veterinary assessment regarding the age and physical condition of cattle before permission for slaughter is granted.