Mahua Moitra Moves Calcutta HC Against Bengal Govt’s Slaughter Curbs ahead of Eid-ul-Adha

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday moved Calcutta High Court through party MLA Akhruzzaman seeking exemption under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act ahead of Eid al-Adha, arguing that a recent state notification could severely affect both religious practices and the rural economy.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Mahua Moitra said the restrictions introduced by the state government through a May 13 notification would not only impact Muslims preparing for Bakri Eid but would also hurt cattle rearers and traders dependent on livestock for their livelihoods. “The petition is seeking an exemption under Section 12 of the Animal Slaughter Act, 1951, regarding a notification issued on 13 May,” Moitra said.

“Since the festival of Eid al-Adha is expected on the 27th or 28th, and there is limited time left, the petition requests exemption under Section 12, as the government may grant such relief. The request is to allow exemptions for the required arrangements for the festival of Bakri Eid,” she added.

The matter was mentioned before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen by Akhruzzaman, while Mahua Moitra also appeared during proceedings. The petition challenges a state notification issued earlier this month that introduced stricter rules governing cattle slaughter ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

Under the order, slaughter of bulls, bullocks, cows, calves and male or female buffaloes requires a mandatory “fit certificate” issued jointly by a municipal chairperson or panchayat samiti president and a government veterinary surgeon. The notification further stipulates that only animals above 14 years of age, or those permanently incapacitated due to injury, deformity, old age or incurable illness, may be permitted for slaughter.

According to the petitioners, the restrictions could interfere with the practice of qurbani associated with Eid al-Adha and place financial strain on economically weaker sections involved in cattle rearing and trading.

During the hearing, the division bench deferred detailed consideration of the matter after noting that copies of the petition had not yet been served to the State and Central governments. The Court subsequently directed that the case be listed as the first matter for hearing at 10:30 am on Thursday.

The notification, issued under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, also requires veterinary assessment to determine the age and physical condition of cattle before slaughter permission can be granted. Mahua Moitra maintained that the issue extended beyond religion and had broader economic implications for rural communities whose incomes depend heavily on livestock-related activities.