Delhi govt announces Bakrid guidelines, warns of legal action against illegal animal sacrifice
New Delhi, May 22
The Delhi government issued a set of guidelines on Friday ahead of the upcoming festival of Bakrid, warning that the sacrifice of prohibited animals and violations of public hygiene rules will invite strict legal action.
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra said the directions have been issued by the Development Department to ensure that the festival is observed in accordance with the law and civic regulations.
Addressing the issue through a post on X, Mishra said the sacrifice of bovine species, including cows, calves and camels, as well as other prohibited animals, is completely illegal in the national capital. He warned that anyone found carrying out or attempting such sacrifice would face criminal charges and legal proceedings.
In his post, Mishra stated, "Delhi Government Guidelines on the Occasion of Bakrid: Sacrifice of bovine species, cows, calves, camels, and other prohibited animals on Bakrid is completely illegal, and criminal cases will be registered against those who do so."
The Minister further clarified that animal sacrifice would not be permitted in public places, including roads, streets and lanes, and that authorities would take legal action against violators. He also stressed that only authorised and designated locations could be used for sacrifice during the festival.
Mishra added in his statement, "Sacrifice is not permitted at public places, lanes, or roads; legal action will also be taken against those who do so."
The Delhi government also directed residents to ensure proper disposal of waste generated after sacrifice. According to the guidelines, spilling blood into drains, sewers or public spaces, and dumping animal waste into drainage systems is strictly prohibited. The government said such acts could create sanitation and environmental hazards and would attract penal action.
The Minister said, "Dumping waste from sacrifice into sewers, drains, or public places is completely prohibited; sacrifice can only be performed at designated valid sites."
He further appealed to citizens to report any violation of the guidelines to the police or the Development Department. "In case of violation of these guidelines, you can inform the police and the Delhi Government's Development Ministry," Mishra said.
The advisory comes as authorities intensify preparations to maintain law and order, sanitation and public health arrangements in the city during the Bakrid celebrations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a sensible move. The issue isn't about religious freedom but about public health and hygiene. Spilling blood into drains and dumping waste on streets affects everyone. If people want to sacrifice, do it at designated places and dispose waste properly. Simple!
Seems reasonable on the surface but I worry about over-policing during religious festivals. The guidelines themselves are fine - no public sacrifice, no bovine killing - but hope authorities don't use this to harass anyone. Let's see how it's implemented on the ground.
As a Delhi resident I fully support this. Last Bakrid some people in my locality sacrificed goats in the middle of the road and left the blood and waste there. It was disgusting and unsanitary. These rules are necessary for everyone's health. Well done Delhi govt! 👏
I understand the prohibition on cow slaughter given the legal context but why camels? That seems arbitrary. Also, will the government provide adequate designated sites in every area? Otherwise this just forces people to break rules. Need more practical planning.
Kapil Mishra is just doing his job here. These aren't new rules - they're existing laws being reiterated. The real issue is that some people think they're above the law during religious festivals. No community should get a free pass. Follow the rules or face consequences. Period.
Good guidelines but I wish the government would focus more on providing proper facilities. Instead of just warning about legal action, why not set up temporary designated sites with waste disposal services? That would help
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