Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Calcutta HC Bans Mass Animal Sacrifice at Balurghat Temple
A big court in India, the Calcutta High Court, made a new rule.
They said that people cannot kill lots of animals for a religious festival at a special temple called Bolla Kali temple in a place called Balurghat.
This happened because some kind people told the court that it was too cruel to the animals.
The court agreed and said any animal killing must happen in a special place, not inside the temple.
The people who run the temple also agreed to stop the big sacrifices and only do a very small one, far away from the temple.
The court wants everyone to know about this rule and help stop animal cruelty.
They will check later to make sure everyone is following the new rule.
The Calcutta High Court has banned mass animal sacrifice at the Bolla Kali temple in Balurghat.
The ruling came after a Public Interest Litigation filed by NGOs citing animal cruelty.
Any animal slaughter must now occur at a designated site or licensed slaughterhouse, away from the temple premises.
The temple committee has agreed to limit sacrifices to two animals and conduct awareness campaigns against mass sacrifice.
The court will review compliance in December and has directed the state government to ensure the order is enforced.
- Who
- The Calcutta High Court
- What
- Imposed a ban on mass animal sacrifice within the premises of the Bolla Kali temple.
- When
- On Tuesday
- Where
- Bolla Kali temple in Balurghat, South Dinajpur
- Why
- Following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) citing cruelty against animals.
Animal Rights Advocates
Temple Committee/Traditionalists
Mass Animal Sacrifice
Animal Rights Advocates
Advocates for a complete ban on mass animal sacrifice within temple premises, citing cruelty, and emphasizing compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Temple Committee/Traditionalists
Proposes limiting sacrifice to two animals at a designated site or licensed slaughterhouse to preserve ritualistic traditions.
Location of Sacrifice
Animal Rights Advocates
Sacrifices must be conducted away from the temple premises at a designated site or licensed slaughterhouse.
Temple Committee/Traditionalists
Willing to conduct limited sacrifices at a designated site or licensed slaughterhouse, but not within the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
- Court
- Calcutta High Court
- Temple
- Bolla Kali temple, Balurghat
- Location
- South Dinajpur, India
- Ruling Date
- Tuesday
- Petitioner
- Consortium of NGOs, including Shree Vardhman Parivar
- Governing Act
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 2001