The Calcutta High Court on Thursday refused to stay a West Bengal government notice regulating animal slaughter during Bakrid. The notice states that no cow, buffalo, bull, or calf can be slaughtered without an “unfitness certificate.” While hearing petitions related to the matter, the court referred to Supreme Court observations and noted that cow sacrifice is not an essential practice of Islam during Eid.
Meanwhile, former Trinamool Congress leader and MLA Humayun Kabir opposed the guidelines and said sacrifices would continue despite restrictions. Reacting to the controversy, the BJP said illegal slaughterhouses would not be allowed to function under any circumstances.
In another development, the Bengal government has made singing “Vande Mataram” mandatory during assembly prayers in all madrasas across the state. The move has triggered political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the government of tokenism while ignoring the declining condition of education.
The High Court has also ordered the formation of a CBI SIT to probe alleged attempts to cover up the RG Tax case. The SIT has been directed to submit its report by June 25.
In the Chandranath Rath murder case, another accused, Naveen Kumar Singh (35), was arrested from Ballia in Uttar Pradesh. The CBI is expected to seek his custody for further questioning.
The West Bengal government has additionally barred state employees from sharing any official information with the media, directly or indirectly, without prior approval.
Meanwhile, re-polling in the Falta Assembly constituency concluded peacefully on Thursday, recording 86.11% voter turnout by 5 p.m. The re-poll was ordered after allegations of EVM tampering and came after Trinamool candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew from the contest two days before voting. The election is being seen as largely one-sided in favour of the BJP.
