HC permits animal slaughter at Vishalgad during Eid and Urs

Kolhapur: The Kolhapur bench of the Bombay high court on Thursday permitted the Hajrat Peer Malik Rehman Mira Saheb Dargah, at Vishalgad, to carry out animal slaughter during Bakrid and the ensuing Urs, from May 29 to June 2, subject to strict hygiene, waste disposal and law and order conditions.

The order, passed by Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale, allows slaughter of sheep, goats and birds (hens only), but limits the permission specifically to the applicant trust and its devotees.

“The said Orders and all conditions imposed therein shall apply during the festival of Bakri Eid on 28th May 2026 and Urs celebration from 29th May 2026 to 2nd June 2026. The permission shall be applicable only to the Applicant and devotees of the Applicant-Dargah,” the court said in its May 28 order.

The bench referred to earlier high court orders passed in 2024 and 2025 on the same issue, where conditional permission for animal slaughter had been granted. The judge noted that all earlier stipulations would continue to apply.

“Learned Advocate for the Applicant, on instructions, undertakes to ensure strict compliance of the conditions imposed in the Order dated 14th June 2024. In addition to the said conditions, learned Advocate for the Applicant, on instructions, submits that, the Applicant shall undertake to ensure that hygienic conditions are maintained at the said premises i.e. Gat No. 19 and the premises are cleaned and cleared of all waste materials including carcasses. The Applicant-Trustees and Authorized representatives shall undertake to cooperate with the administration and the Police Authorities to ensure smooth flow of traffic and the maintenance of law and order,” the order read.

State govt had opposed the plea, citing concerns that Bakrid celebrations and Urs gatherings at Vishalgad could potentially lead to law and order issues.

However, petitioner’s counsel S B Talekar assured the court that the trust would comply with all conditions. He submitted that the trustees were ready to give undertakings to ensure maintenance of law and order during the festivities.

The court subsequently granted conditional permission, stressing on strict adherence to hygiene norms, removal of carcasses, and cooperation with authorities to prevent any disruption.