The BJP government in West Bengal has invoked a 1950 Bengal law ahead of Eid al-Adha (Bakri Eid) on May 27, a move that could significantly impact Eid celebrations across the state.
What is the Animal Slaughter Law of 1950?
The West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, was introduced to prevent the indiscriminate slaughter of useful animals. As per the law, the slaughter of any useful animal, like cattle, calves, and buffaloes, is regulated to boost milk production and protect animals used for agricultural work.
An animal over 14 years of age can be considered for slaughter only if it is permanently unable to work or breed due to injury or deformity. Thereafter, the animal can be slaughtered after getting a certificate of fitness issued jointly by a Municipality or Panchayat Chairman and a government veterinary surgeon.
The animal cannot be slaughtered in public and can only be slaughtered in designated municipal slaughterhouses. Those above the age of 18 can only be employed to slaughter the animal. Violations amount to a fine of Rs 1000 or six months jail or both.
How are people reacting?
The government notice, which was issued on Wednesday, is still being looked at closely by various religious leaders. “The circular has come to our notice, and we are looking into the details. We will see what solution we can find if there is difficulty," said Maulana Shafiq Qasmi, the Imam of Nakhoda Masjid.
The move could affect many people celebrating Eid, particularly those who may not have been following the law closely or are unfamiliar with the process of obtaining the required veterinary fitness certificate. Many families save for months for Eid and often make advance payments to purchase animals for the occasion. The enforcement of this law could disrupt their plans and create uncertainty ahead of the celebrations.
“A lot of the local economy is involved. How will it work? A lot of Hindu farmers also will be affected because when the cow gets older, they have to sell it even if the animal is not as old as 12 years, but they want to sell it to a Muslim butcher for money," said Professor Maidul Islam, a political science professor who believes there are deeper issues to merely implementing the law.
“The law is silent on goat and pig, but what should be the age one must follow for goats and pigs?" questions Prof.Islam.
Police are also cracking down on illegal cattle marketing and unauthorised slaughterhouses. The aim is to ensure that licensed and legal mining and cattle trading are being conducted smoothly. The state had earlier directed police to adopt a zero tolerance for illegal cattle trade and slaughter. This, however, was still rampant, which the new BJP government hopes to curtail.
