Kolkata High Court Mandates Licensing for Animal Sales in West Bengal

Kolkata, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : The Kolkata High Court has issued a strict directive stating that the sale of animals in West Bengal cannot occur without the necessary licenses. This ruling, delivered on October 6, emphasizes that animal trading is permissible in locations such as Kolkata's Galiff Street Market, provided it adheres to the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and other relevant regulations.During a suo motu hearing, Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Om Narayan Rai instructed the state government to verify whether traders possess valid licenses for animal sales. The court made it clear that trading would only be allowed after confirming compliance with the law. All involved parties have been ordered to submit reports by October 14 regarding the matter. A lawyer representing the traders argued that there is no need for a license for business conducted in Galiff Street, where over 600 traders have operated for years.He claimed that no endangered species are being sold and suggested that police officers work alongside forest department officials to monitor potential illegal activities. In response, lawyer Saikat Banerjee, representing the state administration, informed the court that no traders currently possess licenses issued by the state animal welfare board. According to the state, none of the traders operating in the market hold such licenses. Following this, the traders' lawyer sought interim permission to continue business activities the following Sunday.He contended that police investigations were hindering their operations and noted that the sale of ornamental fish, dogs, and plants does not fall under legal restrictions. He also alleged that police actions had nearly paralyzed all business activities in the market. After hearing both sides, the High Court noted that traders were obstructing pedestrian walkways, causing inconvenience to the public. The bench pointed out that many traders were operating without licenses and questioned the lack of regulatory oversight.Taking these factors into account, Chief Justice Ghuge mandated that all traders obtain the necessary licenses. He clarified that police would only permit animal sales once these licenses are secured. Earlier, on September 16, the same bench had ordered strict monitoring of animal markets across the state, including Galiff Street, to curb illegal sales. The court instructed plainclothes police officers and designated state officials to collaborate on enforcement and oversight.