The Subendu Adhikari-led BJP government that took charge in West Bengal recently issued strict orders before the goats. As per the new rules, prior permission is now mandatory for any animal slaughter in the state. The government has taken this step based on the Bengal Act of 1950 and a 2018 order of the Calcutta High Court. The notification clarifies that no cow or bull can be slaughtered without the required fitness certificate.
The fitness certificate will be issued only with the joint consent of the Chairman of the Municipality or the President of the Panchayat Samiti and the Government Veterinary Officer concerned. However, to obtain this permit, the animal must be over 14 years of age and unfit for agricultural work or breeding. In addition, slaughter will only be permitted if the animal is permanently incapacitated due to old age, injury, serious illness or deformity.
The new rules have banned the slaughter of animals in public places. Henceforth, animals can be slaughtered only in abattoirs approved by the municipal corporation or at places specially designated by the local administration. Anyone who violates this rule will be severely punished. Violation of the West Bengal Control of Slaughter of Animals Act, 1950 is punishable with imprisonment up to six months, fine up to Rs 1000 or both. On the other hand, if a person is not issued a fitness certificate, he will have the right to reapply to the state government within 15 days.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a historic victory in the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections. BJP won 207 out of 294 assembly seats in the state. The party, which won only 77 seats in the previous assembly elections, has brought about a major change in state politics. Several prominent Trinamool Congress leaders lost the elections. The most interesting thing is that Subendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhavanipur seat. He defeated Mamata Banerjee from Nandigram in the 2021 elections and the same history repeated itself this time.
