Ban on Cow Slaughter in West Bengal

• Decision by CM Shubhendu Adhikari

• Public slaughterhouses also shut down

• Medical certificate from doctors mandatory for animal slaughter

Kolkata – West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has imposed a ban on cow slaughter in the State. Referring to the Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, and a 2018 order of the Calcutta High Court, he issued a notice in this regard. Violation of this law may result in imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both.

The notice states that the slaughter of any animal without a medical certificate is strictly prohibited. The certificate will be issued jointly by the Municipal Chairman, the Panchayat Samiti Chief and a Government veterinary doctor. Such a certificate will be granted only if the authority is satisfied that the animal is more than 14 years old, is unfit for breeding, is aged, injured or disabled, or has become incapacitated due to an incurable disease.

If the issuance of a certificate is refused, any person may file an appeal before the State Government within 15 days of receiving the notice of refusal.

Ban on public slaughterhouses as well

Additionally, public slaughterhouses have also been banned. The Government stated that animal slaughter will be permitted only in municipal slaughterhouses or in slaughterhouses designated by the local administration.

Editorial Perspective

Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari deserves immense appreciation for promptly taking decisions in the interest of Hindus after assuming office. However, it remains to be seen whether the Police and administration are implementing these decisions with equal promptness and vigilance.