Bombay High Court Bans Animal Slaughter in Homes, Public Areas in Mumbai Ahead of Bakrid

On July 6 2019, shortly ahead of Bakrid, Bombay High Court prohibited the slaying of animals in houses, colonies, and public areas in Mumbai in an attempt to resolve the issue of hygiene and sanitation.

Bakrid Sacrifice of sheep and goats can now be done only at authorised abattoirs and licensed non-veg markets after Bombay High Court’s hail-worthy move to ban the slaughter of animals inside homes, housing societies.

The court has restrained Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from giving permissions for slaughter inside flats and houses – over 7000 permits will now be invalid. BMC is now required by the Bombay High Court to "strictly and stringently maintain all applicable safety, hygienic and public safety norms and requirements and to move expeditiously against all violations."

“In our view, the requirements of public safety, hygiene and sanitation make it impossible to accept any policy that permits slaughtering inside individual flats. In a city that is as densely crowded and congested as Mumbai and where typical residential apartments are small, we do not believe it is possible to make effective arrangements for human, hygienic and safe methods of sacrificial slaughter within a residential flat. Many of these flats are homes for the very old or the very young (or both). We believe these concerns override all others," said the judges.

A goat's life worth is weighed by a 'sacrificial goat' seller  in Srinagar

Image Courtesy: Outlook India

The move has been applauded by animal-rights activists and those promoting veganism, as a long due step towards eliminating animal exploitation and cruelty. While others have expressed contempt for the move – saying that it is targeted at Muslims, it is vital to understand the issue objectively.

There exists no blanket ban on animal sacrifice in India. There is, however, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules 2017. Under the Rules, the sale of cattle is prohibited for slaughter, including religious purposes but other farm animals are exempt from this rule.

The Rules do demand that animals be slaughtered at registered abattoirs and follow required guidelines – something that isn’t followed, especially in the case of most ritualistic animal sacrifices.

While cultural festivals bring their own revelries, the basic values of health, sanitation and hygiene are not something that should be neglected or compromised upon.

In fact, this is how we think Bakrid should really be celebrated with a goat:

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