Supreme Court Seeks Government Response on Petition to Ban Animal Sacrifice in Temples

The Supreme Court of India has issued notice to the Union government on a Public Interest Litigation filed by advocate Shruti Bisht seeking a ban on animal sacrifice in Hindu religious practices. The petition challenges Section 28 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which exempts religiously mandated animal killings from being offences. It highlights ongoing practices in regions including the Himalayas, northeastern India, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and southern India, urging legislative amendments and policy measures to curb animal sacrifice and promote animal welfare. The Court has scheduled further hearings after four weeks.