Calcutta High Court to Hear PILs Challenging State’s Cattle Slaughter Restrictions

MP, May 21, 2026, Kolkata :  Several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) were filed at the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday challenging the West Bengal government’s recent notification imposing restrictions on cattle slaughter ahead of Eid al-Adha, with petitioners arguing that the move would hurt religious practices as well as the rural economy dependent on cattle trade.

The matter came up before a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen after being moved by Trinamool Congress MLA Akhruzzaman. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra was also present during the proceedings and supported the challenge to the notification.

Separately, the West Bengal unit of the CPI(ML) Liberation has also approached the High Court through a Public Interest Litigation, alleging that the notification imposes harsh restrictions under an “outdated” 1950 law and infringes upon religious freedom, livelihood rights and citizens’ food choices.

The state government’s order, issued under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, makes it mandatory to obtain a “fit certificate” before slaughtering bulls, bullocks, cows, calves and buffaloes.

The notification states that only animals above 14 years of age, or those permanently incapacitated because of injury, deformity, old age or incurable disease, may be considered eligible for slaughter after certification by authorities and veterinary assessment.

During the hearing, the petitioners argued that the restrictions would directly affect economically weaker families engaged in cattle rearing and trading.

They also contended that the conditions imposed by the notification interfered with the practice of qurbani during Eid-ul-Azha and could disrupt traditional livestock markets operating in several districts before the festival.

The bench, however, deferred substantive hearing after observing that copies of the petitions had not yet been served on the State and Central governments. The court directed that the matter be listed as the first item on Thursday.