Mass animal sacrifice at religious events : High Court issues directions

Calcutta High Court Prohibits Mass Animal Sacrifice at Bolla Kali Puja. Court Directs Compliance with Animal Slaughterhouse Rules and Upholds Undertakings to Prevent Mass Sacrifice

In a landmark judgment, the Calcutta High Court has reinforced its stance against mass animal sacrifices at religious functions by issuing directives to ensure strict adherence to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001. The case, Shree Vardhman Parivar v. State of West Bengal, saw the bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen emphasize the need for compliance with legal provisions governing animal slaughter.

The judgment follows a series of meetings and deliberations, notably involving the Bolla Kali Temple Trust, where it was mutually agreed that mass sacrifices would not be conducted. The court underscored the importance of conducting any animal sacrifice strictly at designated slaughterhouses, as per the rules set out in 2001, and in alignment with Supreme Court directives.

The court's decision builds on precedents from the Tripura and Himachal Pradesh High Courts, both of which have previously disapproved of mass animal sacrifices, and it aligns with an interim order by the Supreme Court which mandates that any animal slaughter for religious purposes should occur in legally designated areas.

Key directives from the judgment include the obligation for government authorities, including local panchayats, to ensure compliance with the undertaking recorded in the meeting minutes of November 3, 2025. The Bolla Kali Puja Committee is also mandated to implement these undertakings in both letter and spirit.

Furthermore, the court ordered that this directive be disseminated widely through electronic means to raise public awareness, with the aim of ensuring that the community is informed about the legal requirements concerning animal sacrifices.

The judgment has been welcomed by animal rights activists and has set a precedent for future cases concerning animal sacrifices in religious contexts. The matter is scheduled for further review in December 2025, along with related cases, to assess compliance and address any emerging issues.

Bottom Line:

Prevention of mass animal sacrifice at religious events, adherence to rules governing slaughterhouses, and obligations of state authorities and religious committees to ensure compliance with laws and undertakings.

Statutory provision(s): Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, Constitution of India

Shree Vardhman Parivar v. State of West Bengal, (Calcutta)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2804858