Mahua moves Calcutta HC against Bengal govt's cattle slaughter curbs ahead of Eid
text_fields
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday approached the Calcutta High Court through party MLA Akhruzzaman, seeking exemption under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act ahead of Eid al-Adha.
The matter was placed before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen.
Speaking to reporters, Moitra said the state government’s May 13 notification would impact not only Muslims observing Bakri Eid but also the rural economy, particularly those whose livelihood depends on cattle rearing and trade.
“The petition seeks exemption under Section 12 of the Animal Slaughter Act, 1951, with regard to a notification issued on 13th May. Since Eid al-Adha is expected on the 27th or 28th and time is limited, the request is for exemption under Section 12 as such relief can be granted by the government for festival-related arrangements,” Moitra said.
The petition challenges the May 13 notification issued by the West Bengal government, which mandates a ‘fit certificate’ for bulls, bullocks, cows, calves, and male and female buffaloes prior to slaughter. The certificate must be issued by the chairman of a municipality or the president of a panchayat samiti, along with a government veterinary surgeon.
Under the notification, slaughter is permitted only for animals above 14 years of age or those permanently incapacitated due to injury, deformity, old age, or incurable disease.
The petitioners argued before the court that the restrictions would have a financial impact on economically weaker sections engaged in cattle rearing and sale, and also interfere with the practice of qurbani associated with Eid al-Adha.
The court has directed that the matter be listed for first hearing on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
With IANS inputs