IN a landmark judgement on November 13 the division bench of Chief Justice JN Patel and Justice Asim Ray of Calcutta High Court described the practice of sacrificing cow and her progeny for religious purpose as unlawful. The court ordered the authorities to implement the provisions of West Bengal Animal Slaughter (Control) Act, 1950 and if any instance of cow slaughter on Bakri-Eid is brought to their notice, they should take cognizance and act in accordance with the law.
It is to be recalled that Shri Enamul Haque of the Rashtriya Muslim Manch and few others had filed a PIL, vide Case No. AST-725 of 2010 on 11/10/10, in the High Court. Advocate MM Qureshi and Advocate Joydip Roy pleaded on behalf of the petitioners while the government side was represented by Advocate Fazrul Haque. Advocate Joydip Roy said now it is up to the state administration to implement the court order. Some political observers, felt that this landmark judgement would have far reaching ramifications in the minority centric domestic politics of West Bengal.
(VSK, Kolkata)
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