Kolkata, May 21 -- The Calcutta High Court on Thursday, May 21, reserved its order on a batch of petitions challenging a West Bengal government notification that restricts cattle slaughter ahead of Eid ul-Adha, with the festival falling on May 28.

A division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen heard arguments from multiple parties before reserving the verdict.

The notification, issued under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, requires a "fit certificate" from veterinary authorities before slaughter of bulls, bullocks, cows, calves and buffaloes. Only animals above 14 years of age or those permanently incapacitated qualify under the new rules.

Religious practice vs state regulation

Among the...