Read Time: 06 minutes

Synopsis

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Bolla Kali Temple puja committee to prevent mass animal sacrifices during the upcoming festival. The court emphasised that any animal sacrifice during the festival must occur in licensed premises and warned of prosecution for non-compliance.

A Division bench comprising the Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, urged the puja committee to strictly adhere to conditions agreed upon in a meeting convened by the Sub-Divisional Officer of Balurghat Sadar, Dakshin Dinajpur, on November 6, 2024. The court also directed the State to not encourage animal sacrifice, stating, “The authority of the State shall also ensure that the Puja Committee does not encourage mass sacrifice and also convince people to desist from such mass sacrifice.”

The case arose from two writ petitions. The petitioners, Akhil Bharat Krishi Go Seva Sangh and Reforms Social Welfare Foundation, sought directions to ensure compliance with laws regulating animal slaughter, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950. The petitions highlighted instances of mass animal sacrifices in temples in previous years and sought directives to prevent illegal animal slaughter across West Bengal, whether conducted in the name of God or otherwise. The petitioners further urged the court to ensure that animal slaughter in the state is restricted solely to purposes of providing food for human consumption. The Akhil Bharat Krishi Go Seva Sangh sought specific reliefs, including the withdrawal of a 2022 letter from the Animal Welfare Board of India that deemed animal sacrifices permissible under Section 28 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Reforms Social Welfare Foundation pointed to violations of court orders in prior years, where thousands of animals were sacrificed despite statutory prohibitions. The petitioners argued that the temple committee's actions violated legal and administrative guidelines and sought accountability for the alleged complicity of state officials and the puja committee.

The committee admitted to conducting ritual sacrifices but denied engaging in mass slaughter. It affirmed that all practices would comply with agreed conditions and applicable laws. “No mass sacrifice will be conducted and the sacrifice of the goats is being followed as the ritual for several centuries and at present it will be done in the designated place for which licence has already been obtained,” submitted the Puja Committee.

The court noted that the puja committee had previously agreed to refrain from mass sacrifices during a meeting chaired by the Sub-Divisional Officer, emphasising that this agreement must be upheld.

Further, the court clarified that while the temple is located in a panchayat area and not a municipal zone, the rules regarding licensed slaughter must be complied with.

 

Cause Title: Akhil Bharat Krishi Go Seva Sangh Vs. The State of West Bengal & Ors. [W.P.A.(P) 433 of 2024] with Reforms Social Welfare Foundation & Anr. Vs. Union of India & Ors. [W.P.A.(P) 592 of 2023]