New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has agreed to review a public interest litigation (PIL) aimed at restricting animal sacrifice in temples nationwide. On Wednesday, a Bench led by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued a notice seeking feedback from the Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and scheduled the case for a hearing in four weeks.

The Bench ordered, “Issue notice, returnable in four weeks,” indicating the seriousness with which they are treating the matter.

Submitted under Article 32 of the Constitution by advocate Shruti Bist, the petition claims that authorities have failed to act against the practice of killing animals in temples under the guise of religious customs.

The petition argues that this ongoing ritual of animal sacrifice contradicts the values of compassion and non-violence inherent in Indian philosophical traditions and legal statutes.

While the PIL acknowledges that animal sacrifice has historical significance in religious observances—especially in the veneration of specific deities—the petitioner contends that it increasingly clashes with contemporary constitutional principles and animal welfare laws.

According to the petition, animal sacrifice, or balidanam, has historically been a part of Hindu rituals, particularly in the worship of goddesses like Ma Durga and Ma Kali. However, this practice has diminished over time, largely due to the influence of non-violence movements.

The petition references religious scriptures and philosophical ideas that advocate respect for all living beings, noting that Indian traditions acknowledge the interconnection of life and emphasize the principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence.

Despite India’s rich cultural heritage that promotes compassion towards animals, the petition states that cruelty persists in various forms, including ritualistic sacrifices tied to certain religious ceremonies.

The PIL also cites sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) concerning animal cruelty, calling for stronger enforcement to prevent maltreatment.

Additionally, the petition highlights that animals endure suffering through practices such as ritual sacrifices, entertainment, laboratory testing, and mistreatment in both domestic and agricultural settings.

In highlighting constitutional mandates, the plea points out that Article 51A(g) establishes a fundamental duty for every citizen to show compassion towards all living creatures. The petitioner is urging the Supreme Court to compel authorities to take decisive actions to ban animal sacrifices in temples and to enhance the implementation of animal protection laws across the nation.