TMC MP Mahua Moitra Moves Calcutta High Court Seeking Permission for Cow Slaughter During Bakri Eid Alongside Muslim Party Colleague.

Political Storm Over Cattle Slaughter Rules: TMC Leaders Face Criticism Over Challenge to Bengal Notification Ahead of Eid.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra and MLA Advocate Akhruzzaman Challenge Cattle Slaughter Curbs in Calcutta High Court Amid Row Over Rampant Cow Slaughter in West Bengal Hurting Hindu Sentiments.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi |  May 20, 2026:: A major political and legal controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Mahua Moitra and Advocate Akhruzzaman challenged the state government’s recent cattle slaughter regulations ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Critics have accused the party of prioritising vote-bank politics and religious appeasement for Muslims over animal protection laws, constitutional principles, and the sentiments of large sections of Hindu society.

The dispute centres around a government notification enforcing provisions related to cattle slaughter under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950. The notification mandates veterinary certification before slaughter and permits slaughter only for animals above 14 years of age or those permanently incapacitated due to illness, deformity, or old age.

TMC Leaders Challenge Restrictions

The petition was filed by TMC MLA and advocate Akhruzzaman from Murshidabad’s Raghunathganj constituency. During the hearing before the Calcutta High Court, TMC MP from Krishnanagar Mahua Moitra appeared in support of the plea and argued that the restrictions would financially affect poor cattle rearers and those dependent on livestock trade.

Moitra submitted before the court that many economically weaker families rear cattle as a source of savings and livelihood, and that strict enforcement of the notification could adversely impact them ahead of the festival season.

She argued that the restrictions would adversely affect poor cattle rearers in the state and sought an exemption. From this stand it is crystal clear  that the TMC is attempting to facilitate rampant cow slaughter, as it occurred during the party’s 15-year rule, in violation of the provisions of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950.

“The notification issued by the State Government will result in financial loss for poor people in the state. Poor people rear cattle with the expectation that selling them will provide some financial security; however, the measures taken by the state administration will harm common people,” she submitted before the Bench.

Critics argued that she did not give adequate importance to the protection of animal resources, particularly the preservation of indigenous Deshi cow (Bos indicus) progeny, and alleged that encouraging unchecked slaughter would be contrary to Article 48 of the Indian Constitution. Article 48 states:

“The State shall endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.”

Speaking to the media outside the court, she added that the government order had destabilised a large section of people and adversely affected the festive prospects of the Muslim community. Critics, however, argued that Moitra showed little sensitivity toward Hindu sentiments regarding open cow slaughter, which they believe negatively affects cultural traditions associated with cows, including milk production, dairy-based food practices, and certain Hindu rituals.

The petition was moved by Trinamool Congress MLA and advocate Akhruzzaman, who challenged the state government’s notification barring animal slaughter without a “fit certificate” issued by the authorities after assessing the age and physical condition of bulls, bullocks, cows, calves, and buffaloes. The West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, also prohibits the slaughter of animals below 14 years of age and any slaughter outside authorised abattoirs.

Akhruzzaman argued that Qurbani, or ritual sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha, is an important religious practice in Islam and that the restrictions interfere with those customs.

Critics Accuse TMC of Ignoring Animal Protection Concerns

The TMC’s position has triggered strong criticism from groups advocating stricter enforcement of cattle protection laws. Critics argue that challenging slaughter regulations undermines the spirit of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, which was enacted to regulate and restrict slaughter of cows, calves, and productive cattle.

They further point to Article 48 of the Indian Constitution, which directs the State to preserve and improve cattle breeds and prohibit slaughter of cows, calves, and milch or draught cattle.

Opponents of the TMC’s stand allege that easing restrictions could encourage illegal slaughter practices and negatively affect indigenous cattle populations, dairy production, and long-term agricultural sustainability. Some Hindu organisations have also expressed concern that visible cattle slaughter during religious festivities hurts the sentiments of many Hindus, for whom the cow holds deep religious and cultural significance.

Debate Over Religious Freedom and Constitutional Duties

The controversy has reignited the broader national debate over the balance between religious freedom, animal welfare, agricultural policy, and constitutional obligations.

Supporters of the petition maintain that the issue concerns livelihoods and the right to practice religious customs. They argue that poor livestock owners and traders could suffer economic losses if restrictions are implemented rigidly during Eid-ul-Azha.

However, critics contend that no religious or political consideration should override statutory safeguards designed to protect cattle resources and regulate slaughter practices. They accuse the ruling party of adopting a selective approach driven by electoral calculations rather than balanced governance.

High Court Adjourns Matter

The matter was heard by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen. The Bench adjourned the hearing after observing that copies of the petition had not yet been served on the State and Central governments.

The court directed that the case be listed as the first matter for hearing on Thursday morning.

Growing Political Sensitivity Ahead of Eid

With Eid-ul-Azha scheduled for May 27–28, the issue is rapidly becoming a politically charged subject in West Bengal. The case has intensified discussions over cattle preservation, constitutional duties, religious practices, and the state’s approach toward communal sensitivities.

As legal proceedings continue, the controversy is expected to remain at the forefront of Bengal’s political discourse in the coming days.

Meanwhile, reports from the Krishnanagar parliamentary constituency indicated that significant resentment had emerged among Hindu voters over her stand in support of cow slaughter by Muslims during Bakri Eid.
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_Agency Inputs.