The Calcutta High Court has asked the West Bengal government to take a decision on whether exemptions can be granted under existing animal slaughter rules for Eid-ul-Adha. The court’s direction came while hearing petitions related to restrictions on animal slaughter in the state.
The issue centres around state regulations governing cattle and animal slaughter, which have been in place to ensure compliance with existing laws. Petitioners had sought relaxation of these rules during Eid-ul-Adha, a festival where animal sacrifice is traditionally performed by sections of the Muslim community.
The court observed that while the state has the authority to enforce rules related to animal slaughter, it should also consider whether temporary exemptions can be allowed during religious occasions, in accordance with legal provisions. It directed the state government to review the matter and take a decision within a specified timeframe.
According to reports, the court also upheld the existing restrictions on cattle slaughter but clarified that the government must independently assess the request for exemptions during the festival period. The matter involves balancing legal regulations with religious practices observed during Eid.
The case has drawn attention as it touches on both regulatory enforcement and religious customs.
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