Virajpet: The High Court of Karnataka has banned practice of animal sacrifice during the annual temple fair of Maariyamma and Angaal Parameshwari at Virajpet.
This judgement comes after the HC overruled the judgement of the lower court, which was in favour of the practice.
During last few years animals were sacrificed during the annual religious festival in the precincts of Mariyamma and Angaala Parameshwasri temples situated on Telugara beedhi in Virajpet Town. Due to lot of opposition from various organizations, the temple administration had sought permission from the local court which eventually permitted animal sacrifice on the during the festival. Based on the judgment the organizers and devotees had brought many animals for sacrifice and tied them in the temple premises.
Upset by the lower court judgment the Animal Welfare Board submitted a fresh plea in the state high court seeking total ban. After hearing the plea the holiday bench of the high courtHigh Court comprising of Justice Anand Byrareddy and Justice Ravi Malimath passed the judgment in favour of the Board thereby totally banning animal sacrifice during the festival.
In addition, the high court instructed the district administration and the temple authorities to ensure that there is no untoward incident following the judgment.
This judgment has dampened the spirit of the devotees involved in the four day festival but has made animal lovers extremely happy.
