HC bans animal sacrifice in Himachal

The judgement came after a petition was filed raising concern about animal sacrifice in many places ranging from big to small village temples

In a landmark judgment, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has banned the centuries-old tradition of animals sacrifice in religious places.

"No person will sacrifice any animal in any place of worship. It includes adjoining lands and buildings," said the high court bench comprising Justice Rajeev Sharma and Sureshwar Thakur on Monday.

The court has directed all senior government and police officials to impose the ban after a petition was filed raising concern about animal sacrifice in many places ranging from big temples to small village temples.

The court observed: "A startling revelation has been made as thousands of animals are sacrificed every year in the name of worship. Sacrifice causes immense pain and suffering to innocent animals. They cannot be permitted to be sacrificed to appease a god or deity in a barbaric manner."

The bench further observed: "Whether animal sacrifice can be termed as religious practice or not is a grey area. Faith, rituals and their continuation must change in the modern era. People are required to be sensitised on this issue by the government."

Welcoming the order, animal rights activist Rajeshwar Negi said, "We welcome this ban on animal sacrifice, as it will end centuries of cruelty to animals in the name of religion."

On the other hand, Maheshwar Singh, a legislator and four-time ex-MP, says, "This judgement is against the age-old beliefs and customs of many people."

Gory goat slaughtering festivals take place in winters across Himachal Pradesh. Often, scores of goats are butchered in single day to appease village deities.

Many temples in the central hills of Himachal Pradesh have goat slaughtering festivals in early winter.