VHP welcomes Calcutta HC verdict seeks nationwide ban on cow slaughter

New Delhi, May 23 (PTI) The VHP on Saturday welcomed the Calcutta High Court's decision not to put a stay on the West Bengal government's order regulating cattle slaughter on Eid-ul-Azha, and urged states without cow slaughter bans to enact laws on the issue.    
    The appeal comes amid an intensifying debate over West Bengal's recent regulatory measures on animal slaughter, which reached the Calcutta High Court and triggered strong reactions across political and social circles.
    In a video statement, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) joint general secretary Surendra Jain expressed support for the high court's decision and called for the "sin of cow slaughter to be eradicated permanently across the country."
    The West Bengal government notice stated that "no person shall slaughter any animal," which includes bulls, bullocks, cows, calves, male and female buffaloes, buffalo calves, and castrated bulls, without obtaining a certificate confirming that the animal is fit for slaughter.
    Jain claimed that the court clarified that cow slaughter is not a religious right of the Muslim community. "Referring to Supreme Court judgments, the court observed that states which have imposed bans on cow slaughter are justified in doing so," he said.
    He insisted that states clarify whether they support cow slaughter or align with the Constitution.
    Claiming that cow slaughter is already prohibited in nearly three-fourths of India, the VHP leader reiterated his demand for a nationwide ban, emphasising the need to respect both Hindu sentiments and the Constitution.
    He criticised certain Muslim leaders for allegedly inciting cow slaughter within their community.
    "Nowhere in the world does religion mandate cow slaughter. Why is it only in India? You are leading the Muslim community toward rebellion, violating the Constitution, and insulting Hindu sentiments," he stated, urging the need for coexistence in which everyone respects one another's beliefs.
    He added that the VHP and its youth wing, Bajrang Dal, will ensure that the law is fully implemented and that cow slaughter is permanently prohibited in India. He mentioned that Bajrang Dal teams will monitor activities during Eid-ul-Azha to prevent cow slaughter.
    In a notification issued on May 13, the West Bengal government laid down a set of guidelines barring animal slaughter without a "fit certificate" from authorities and warned of penal action for violations. The notification also stated that animal slaughter in open public places would be "strictly prohibited".
    Noting that the public notice of May 13 was issued for implementing an order passed by this high court in 2018, the Calcutta High Court on Thursday said it finds no basis to stay or set aside the notice.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)