The Supreme Court refused to grant an urgent hearing to a PIL that sought strict and effective enforcement of the law banning cow slaughter ahead of Bakrid, directing the petitioner to follow the regular listing process.
The Supreme Court declined to grant an urgent hearing on a PIL seeking effective implementation of the law that imposes a complete ban on cow slaughter ahead of Bakrid.
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked,
“You remembered this a day before. No urgency. Thanks,”
Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha raised the matter before the bench and sought urgent consideration.
He said,
“Day after tomorrow is Bakrid. This is a plea to seek implementation of anti-cow slaughter law. If this can be listed tomorrow,”
The petition, filed by Satish Kumar Aggarwal, former vice-president of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, requests directions to ensure enforcement of the anti-slaughter laws to protect cows and their progeny from slaughter.
It also seeks a direction for the state governments to issue guidelines regulating slaughterhouses in every state, in accordance with the law.
Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is an important festival for Muslims. It involves an act of sacrifice, where many people offer goats, sheep, buffaloes, or camels. However, in states where cow slaughter is banned, the law already prevents people from sacrificing cows during Bakrid. Many states also issue advisories every year to ensure lawful and peaceful celebrations.