Calcutta High Court directs steps to prevent mass animal sacrifice at Bolla Raksha Kali Temple [Read Order]

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has issued a significant directive aimed at preventing mass animal sacrifices at the Bolla Raksha Kali Temple, emphasizing the importance of protecting animal welfare and adhering to legal guidelines.

Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya made crucial observations on the practice of animal sacrifice and its legal implications.

The court addressed the case involving two writ petitions filed by Akhil Bharat Krishi Go Seva Sangh and Reforms Social Welfare Foundation. The court noted:
“Both the writ petitions have been filed for more or less identical reliefs wherein the petitioners seek appropriate directions to ensure that no illegal slaughtering of animals takes place in the State of West Bengal (either in the name of God or otherwise).”

Addressing specific concerns about the Bolla Raksha Kali Temple, the court observed:
“On the night of 1.12.2023 and 2.12.2023, a huge number of devotees congregated at the temple, and mass animal sacrifices were made with the assistance and cooperation of the Committee members, in total violation of the order dated 1.12.2023 passed by this Court.”

The court highlighted the potential legal and ethical issues surrounding animal sacrifice, stating:
“The Committee members, having agreed to certain conditions which have been reduced to writing in the form of Minutes drawn on 6.11.2024, are bound to comply with the same without any default.”

In a specific directive, the court instructed:
“We direct the Puja Committee to strictly abide by what they agreed upon in the meeting dated 6.11.2024, drawn by the Sub-Divisional Officer, Balurghat Sadar, and also ensure that no mass sacrifice is conducted. If at all sacrifices are made, they must be done in licensed premises and no other area.”

The court emphasized the need for compliance with existing animal welfare laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, and the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950.

The Puja Committee’s advocate submitted that no mass sacrifice would be conducted and that any sacrifices would take place in designated licensed areas, in accordance with longstanding ritual practices.

The court directed the state authorities to ensure that the Puja Committee does not encourage mass sacrifices and actively works to convince people to desist from such practices.

Mr. Vinay Shraff, Mr. Dev Agarwal, and Ms. P. S. Paul appeared for the Petitioners, while Mr. Kishore Dutta, the learned Advocate General, represented the State of West Bengal.

Case Title: Akhil Bharat Krishi Go Seva Sangh vs. State of West Bengal & Ors.

[Read Order]