SC admits plea against ban on animal sacrifice in temples

Tripura government's plea challenging the High Court ban on animal sacrifice in the temples of the state has been approved by the Supreme Court on Friday. The bench had also directed the district magistrates and the state police to ensure implementation of the order.

New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Friday admitted the Tripura government's plea challenging the High Court ban on animal sacrifice in the temples of the state.

A bench headed by Justice Rohinton Nariman issued a notice to animal rights activist Subhash Bhattacharjee on a special leave petition filed by the Tripura government against the September 27 judgment of the Tripura High Court.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Arindam Lodh of the High Court through a judgement banned animal sacrifice in all temples. The bench cited that animals also have a fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

"No person including the State shall be allowed to sacrifice any animal/bird within the precincts of any of the temples within the State of Tripura," said the High Court.

The bench had also directed the district magistrates and the state police to ensure implementation of the order.