The Calcutta High Court recently addressed two writ petitions seeking to curb illegal animal slaughter in West Bengal, particularly focusing on religious sacrifices and mass killings that violate statutory provisions.

The petitions underscored the need for stringent enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and other animal protection laws.

The petitioners called for measures to prevent unlawful animal sacrifices, including those conducted in temples under the pretext of religious practices. They sought compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, and the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950.

One petitioner specifically pointed to the mass sacrifice of over 10,000 animals at the Bolla Kali Temple in 2022, urging action against those responsible, including temple authorities and officials. Another petitioner raised concerns over continued non-compliance with earlier court directives, highlighting instances of mass sacrifices conducted despite official agreements to avoid such practices.

The Court noted prior commitments made by temple committees and officials, recorded in official minutes dated November 6, 2024, to refrain from mass sacrifices. It stressed that these agreements are binding and directed that any animal slaughter must be conducted exclusively in licensed facilities, as mandated by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughterhouse) Rules, 2000. The Court clarified that these rules apply to all areas, including non-municipal regions governed by panchayats, and warned of legal consequences for any violations.

The Puja Committee was instructed to strictly adhere to the agreed-upon conditions, ensuring that mass sacrifices are avoided and permitted sacrifices are conducted only in designated, licensed premises. State authorities were tasked with monitoring compliance and raising public awareness to discourage mass animal sacrifices.

Additionally, the Court directed the respondents to submit affidavits addressing the broader relief sought in the petitions within eight weeks. This order highlights the Court’s commitment to balancing religious practices with the enforcement of animal welfare laws, emphasizing the need to prevent cruelty and uphold statutory provisions.

Case Title: Reforms Social Welfare Foundation & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors.

Case No.: W.P.A.(P) 433 of 2024 with W.P.A.(P) 592 of 2023

Advocate for Petitioner: Adv. Vinay Shraff, Dev Agarwal, P. S. Paul, Swapan Nath, Rachit Lakhmani, Devkant Sharma, Rudrajyoti Ray, Piyush Kumar

Advocate for Respondent: Adv. Kishore Dutta (AG), Amitesh Banerjee (Sr. Adv), Ipsita Banerjee, Swapan Banerjee, Sumita Shaw, Tapas Kr. Adhikary, Zorabuddin, Kalyan Kr. Chakraborty, Gopal Krishan Sarkar, Vivek Kr. Pandey, Binoy Brata Bhowmik, Benaybrata Bhowmick, Ashok Kr., Chakraborty (ASG), Dhiraj Kr. Trivedi (DSGI), Sukanta Chakraborty, Somnath Ghosal