Cow Slaughter: Mixed Responses Evokes Ahead Of Id-Ul-Zuha.

Kolkata/New Delhi; May 2026: As the country prepares for the celebrations of ‘Id-Ul-Zoha’ on the 27th (Wednesday) this month, local governments have taken proactive measures in safeguarding certain disputed resolutions.

The Calcutta High Court yesterday (21st May 2026) has refused to stay the West Bengal government’s order reiterating a complete ban on the slaughter of any cattle or buffalo without the mandatory fitness certificate ahead of Id-Ul-Zuha celebrations. The division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice

Partha Sarathi noted that the slaughter of animals, including cows and buffalos, in any open public place is strictly prohibited, and the sacrifice of a cow is no part of the festival of Id-Ul-Zuha and is not a religious requirement under Islam, as held by the Supreme Court.

“In our opinion, the Act of 1950 takes care of the relief prayed for by the petitioner, and we have no doubt that the State will endeavour to implement the Act and Rules made thereunder in its true spirit”, the court said, referring to the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950.

Earlier on May 13, the state government stated that the fitness certificate will only be issued by the Chairperson of any Municipality or the President of any Panchayat Samiti, jointly with a Government Veterinary Officer after the both of them agree in writing that the animal is over 14 years of age rendering it unfit for work or breeding purposes, or that the animal has become permanently incapacitated due to old age, injury, deformity, or any other incurable disease.

The government also banned public slaughterhouses, stating that the animal will only be slaughtered at the Municipal slaughterhouse or at a slaughterhouse designated by the local administration. The violation of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, could lead to a fine of six months in jail, or to a fine extending up to Rs 1,000, or to both. In the event of refusal to issue the fitness certificate, a person can appeal to the State Government within 15 days of receiving the communication regarding the rejection of the certificate.

In the national capital Delhi, yesterday (21st May 2026) Delhi Government’s Development Minister Kapil Mishra, during a review meeting with the Development Department ahead of Id-Ul-Zuha directed officials to ensure strict compliance with all provisions and laws related to animal welfare.

According to the release by the office of the Minister of Development, he said that stringent action must be taken against illegal transportation of animals, illegal slaughter and any form of cruelty towards animals. Mishra instructed officials that, in order to ensure animal welfare and public hygiene,

permission for sacrifice should be allowed only at authorised and designated locations. He also directed that the complete ban on the slaughter or sacrifice of cows, calves, camels and other prohibited animals must be strictly enforced.

Mishra directed that no sacrifice should take place on roads, streets or any public place, and that the buying and selling of animals in public spaces is completely illegal. He instructed officials to strictly enforce this prohibition and take stringent action upon receiving any complaint. He further directed that animal blood should not flow directly into roads, drains or canals, and that remains left after

sacrifice should not be discarded in the open. Their disposal must be carried out strictly in accordance with prescribed safety standards, with coordinated monitoring by the concerned departments, the release said.

The Minister stated that, as per the guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India under the Government of India to Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of all states, effective implementation of laws related to animal protection and welfare is essential. Mishra stated that under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, cruelty towards animals is a punishable offence.

Therefore, immediate action should be taken on any complaint related to illegal transportation of animals, operation of illegal slaughterhouses or violation of laws, and criminal cases must be registered against those found guilty. He instructed officials to ensure compliance with all standards related to the safety, health and welfare of animals during transportation. He also directed that coordination be

established among the local administration, police and concerned departments, with special monitoring in sensitive areas, the release stated.

Mishra said that animal protection is not only a legal responsibility but also a cultural and moral duty. He appealed to citizens that if they receive any information regarding illegal transportation of animals, cruelty or illegal slaughter, they should immediately inform the concerned administrative or police authorities.

The Minister also directed officials to launch a wide-scale public awareness campaign and said that information regarding animal welfare laws and civic responsibilities should be disseminated through posters, social media and other communication platforms, so that sensitivity towards animals and awareness about laws can be enhanced.

Team Maverick.