Court directs State to ensure strict compliance with provisions, dismisses petitions challenging public notice on animal slaughter regulations.
In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has upheld the guidelines issued under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, emphasizing compliance with its provisions regarding animal slaughter. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, dismissed a series of petitions challenging the public notice dated May 13, 2026, which outlines regulations for animal slaughter in the state.
The public notice, issued by the State of West Bengal, was challenged on the grounds of being contrary to the Act of 1950 and the rules framed thereunder. The petitioners argued that the notice imposed conditions that were inconsistent with the statutory framework. However, the court found no merit in these claims, affirming that the public notice was in line with prior court orders, specifically the directives issued in WP 328 of 2018 (Rajyashree Chaudhuri v. State of West Bengal).
The court highlighted that the notice aims to implement the provisions of the Act effectively, ensuring that animal slaughter is conducted in accordance with the law. The Bench emphasized that the notice is a continuation of the court's earlier directives and has attained finality, leaving no room for interference.
Furthermore, the court directed the state to ensure the establishment of proper infrastructure and the appointment of responsible officers for issuing necessary certificates for animal slaughter. The judgment also emphasized the prohibition of animal slaughter, including cows and buffaloes, in open public places, reiterating that cow sacrifice is not a religious requirement under Islam, as held by the Supreme Court in Mohd. Hanif Quareshi v. State of Bihar.
In related petitions, the court addressed the issue of exemptions under Section 12 of the Act, directing the state to make prompt decisions considering the urgency of upcoming festivals. The court also dismissed the public interest litigation seeking the formation of Special Task Forces to monitor illegal cow slaughter, stating that the Act of 1950 adequately addresses the issue.
On the matter of constitutional challenges to certain sections of the Act, the court maintained the presumption of constitutionality, denying interim relief and reserving the constitutional question for consideration upon the completion of pleadings.
The court's ruling underscores the state's responsibility to enforce the provisions of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, and reflects the judiciary's commitment to uphold statutory compliance in matters of public interest.
Bottom Line:
Compliance with the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950 and its provisions regarding the regulation of animal slaughter, including the issuance of certificates for slaughter, prohibition of public slaughter, and the non-requirement of cow sacrifice as part of religious festivals, must be ensured by the State.
Statutory provision(s):
West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, Sections 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12
Ramkrishna Pal v. State of West Bengal, (Calcutta)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2903622
