With Eid-al-Adha around the corner, several housing societies in Mumbai are finding themselves caught in a web of controversy over the traditional sacrifice of goats, a ritual central to the festival's observance.

Disagreements have flared up in areas like Goregaon and Ghatkopar, as residents clash over permissions and civic rules laid out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BMC has tightened oversight this year, enforcing restrictions on where and how animal sacrifice can be carried out.

In Goregaon East, a housing society had its previously granted approval revoked after nearby residents raised objections. The civic body explained the cancellation by pointing to its rule that prohibits slaughter within a kilometre of another approved site. The society in question fell within this restricted zone.

Former corporator Priti Satam, who led a delegation to the local BMC office, said that allowing slaughter in open areas was against guidelines. “Religious sentiments must be respected, but festivals must also follow rules,” she stated.

In another part of the city, residents of Maitri Society in Ghatkopar West approached the Bombay High Court after the BMC denied their request for permission. The society has reportedly held the ritual in the same location for years. The court directed the BMC to review their fresh application and provide a decision promptly.

Advocate Kaif Mujawar, representing the society, argued that the existing designated slaughter areas are too small and cannot handle the volume of animals, especially during the festival. He also claimed that earlier permissions are now being withdrawn due to political interference.

Elsewhere, in Kurla West, a senior citizen filed a complaint over what he claimed was illegal animal sacrifice in a residential building, citing hygiene issues and civic violations.

The BMC, in line with High Court directives, has issued clear guidelines on where sacrifices can be held: in designated markets, community areas, private property, or housing societies — all subject to NOC clearance. However, if an authorised community slaughter space, including religious ones, exists within one kilometre, no new permission can be issued.

As Eid nears, these developments highlight the fine balance Mumbai’s diverse communities must strike between tradition, legality, and co-existence.