Delhi Government Issues Strict Guidelines for Eid al-Adha 2025

KKN Gurugram Desk | As Eid al-Adha 2025 approaches, the Delhi government has released a comprehensive advisory outlining specific guidelines to ensure the festival is observed in accordance with legal and ethical standards. The advisory emphasizes animal welfare, public hygiene, and adherence to existing laws.

Prohibited Animal Sacrifices

The advisory explicitly prohibits the sacrifice of certain animals during the festival:

• Cows and Calves: The slaughter of cows and their progeny is strictly forbidden under the Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 1994.

• Camels: Classified as non-food animals under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, camels cannot be legally slaughtered for consumption.

• Other Prohibited Animals: Any other animals not recognized as permissible for sacrifice under Islamic law and Indian regulations are also included in the ban.

Designated Slaughter Locations

To maintain public order and hygiene:

• Authorized Slaughterhouses: All animal sacrifices must be conducted exclusively at government-approved slaughterhouses.

• Public Spaces: Sacrifices in public areas such as roadsides, streets, or open spaces are strictly prohibited.

Restrictions on Media Sharing

The advisory places limitations on the dissemination of sacrificial rituals:

• Photography and Videography: Capturing images or videos of the sacrifice rituals is discouraged.

• Social Media Sharing: Sharing such content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp is prohibited to prevent the promotion or glorification of these acts.

Legal Framework and Enforcement

The guidelines are backed by existing laws:

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: Addresses the humane treatment of animals.

• Transport of Animals Rules, 1978: Regulates the conditions under which animals can be transported.

• Slaughter House Rules, 2001: Specifies that slaughtering should occur only in licensed facilities and outlines conditions for animal slaughter.

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Ensures that food products, including meat, meet safety standards.

Authorities have been instructed to enforce these regulations rigorously, with strict actions against violators.

Community Cooperation Encouraged

The Delhi government urges all residents to comply with the advisory to ensure a respectful and lawful celebration of Eid al-Adha. Community leaders and organizations are encouraged to disseminate this information and assist in maintaining public harmony.

These measures aim to balance religious practices with legal obligations and societal harmony. Adherence to the guidelines will contribute to a peaceful and respectful observance of Eid al-Adha in Delhi.