The cause? Eid al-Adha, commonly known as Bakrid, is a significant religious festival in Islam commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.1 This festival is traditionally marked by the sacrifice of an animal, often a goat, sheep, camel, or cow, depending on the region and the number of participants.1 In India, the practice of animal sacrifice during Bakrid intersects with the complex and often sensitive issue of cow slaughter. Cows hold a particularly revered status in Hinduism, leading to diverse legal frameworks across Indian states regulating the slaughter of cattle. Unlike many states that have imposed outright bans on cow slaughter, West Bengal has historically maintained a regulatory approach, permitting the slaughter of cows.
Let's break down the staggering economic impact.
As meticulously calculated, a single cow, over its minimum 5-year milking period with an average yield of 8 litres per day @ Rs. 50/- per ltr, contributes a gross benefit of ₹7,30,000.
Even after accounting for a generous maintenance cost of ₹2,73,750 (equivalent to the price of 3 litres of milk daily for the same period), the average net benefit from one cow stands at ₹4,56,250. This doesn't even factor in the additional advantages of draught power, cow dung (a valuable source of fuel and manure), and biogas. Considering these, a conservative estimate places the total value of a cow at around ₹5,00,000.
Therefore, the alleged slaughter of one lakh cows translates to a devastating loss of ₹50,00,00,00,000 (Rupees Five Thousand Crores) to the nation's wealth. This isn't just an abstract number; it represents a tangible loss for our agricultural economy, milk production, and the livelihoods of countless individuals.
But the issue extends beyond mere economics. According to legal experts, this large-scale slaughter is a direct violation of a standing order dated 2nd November 2011 issued by the Hon'ble High Court. This violation, it is argued, constitutes a Contempt of Court, undermining the authority and dignity of the judicial system.
The legal standpoint is clear: the alleged inaction and even facilitation of cow slaughter by state authorities are seen as a direct infringement of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control (WBASC) Act, 1950. This inaction is not only causing immense financial loss but is also perceived as a failure to uphold the rule of law. The argument presented highlights that the public suffers directly from this disregard of the court order, leading to the destruction of national wealth and impacting crucial sectors like agriculture and milk supply.
The statement on the point of law further emphasizes that the concerned authorities had a statutory duty to enforce the court order and prevent the slaughter. Their alleged failure to do so, and instead seemingly aiding the act, is a serious matter that demands accountability. The petitioners believe that such actions warrant punishment under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to restore the majesty of the court and the public's faith in the administration of justice.
The question then arises: why is such a valuable animal, contributing so significantly to our economy and well-being, being targeted for slaughter, even during a significant religious festival like Bakrid? To attribute this to religious reasons, especially when it allegedly violates existing legal orders, is not only perplexing but also deeply concerning. Can such an act, causing immense economic loss and disregarding judicial pronouncements, truly be seen as pleasing to any deity?
Furthermore, if the current government is perceived to be overlooking this issue to appease a particular community, it could be a grave miscalculation. Upholding the law and protecting national assets should be paramount, transcending any political considerations. This creates a potential area of friction and legal scrutiny, especially considering the religious significance of the cow for a large segment of the Indian population and the existing legal framework in West Bengal.
The situation demands our collective attention. The destruction of ₹5,000 crores of national wealth and the alleged Contempt of Court cannot be ignored. It is a matter that affects every citizen, from farmers and milk consumers to those who believe in the sanctity of the legal system. We urge all members of society to stand together and raise their voices against this issue. Let us work towards saving our cows, upholding the law, and protecting our national wealth.
Join the movement to Save Cows!