Tezzbuzz Desk – Calcutta High Court has refused to stay the West Bengal government’s order regarding animal sacrifice before Eid-ul-Azha. The court upheld the restrictions imposed by the state government and dismissed all the petitions challenging them. However, the court has also asked the state government to consider within 24 hours whether there is a need to give any limited relaxation on the occasion of Eid or not.

This matter came to light regarding the rules to animal sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha i.e. Bakrid. The West Bengal government had recently issued a notification saying that only animals above 14 years of age or those who are permanently disabled can be sacrificed. Apart from this, it was made mandatory to get veterinary checkup and fitness certificate of any animal before sacrificing it.

Many people had approached the court against this decision of the government. These included the names of many leaders and social organizations including Mahua Moitra. The petitioners said that the new rules are against religious traditions and will also affect the rural economy.

The case was heard by a division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen. During the hearing, the court made it clear that under the Animal Slaughter Act of 1950, special exemption cannot be given on religious grounds. The court also acknowledged that the state government has the right to enforce rules under the law.

In the notification issued by the government, it has been said that before sacrificing animals like cow, bull, bull, calf and buffalo, it will be necessary to check their age and health. Only those animals will be considered eligible for sacrifice which are above 14 years of age or suffering from any serious illness, injury or permanent disability.

Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the petitioners, argued in the court that a healthy animal is required for sacrifice on Bakrid, while government rules are to the contrary. He said that according to Islamic traditions, sacrificing a sick or weak animal is not considered appropriate.

However, the court refused to stay the order of the state government for the time being. Also asked the government to consider whether any limited relief may be required on the occasion of Eid. After this decision, the political and social debate regarding Bakrid has intensified in West Bengal.