Inchara Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Mar 23: A day ahead of the Suggi Maripuja car festival that is to begin in Kaup, the Udupi district administration, the state government and Animal Welfare Board on Monday March 23 issued ban orders on the traditional ritual of animal sacrifice that has been a norm since years.

The order comes in the wake of a similar decision taken by the Karnataka high court.

The state high court had earlier ordered both the district deputy commissioner (DC) and the superintendent of police (SP) to strictly ensure that animal sacrifice does not take place during the annual Suggi Maripuje being held at Kaup Marigudi from March 24 onwards. The single judge bench of the HC presided over by Justice K L Manjunath issued orders to the officials to take precautionary measures to see that animals are not given as sacrificial offerings during this festival.

The HC issued the order after considering a public interest petition filed on the subject by a local advocate Alevoor Premaraj Kini. The petitioner had pointed out that Karnataka Animal Sacrifice Prohibition Act, 1959 has banned all kinds of animal sacrifices. "Still, at Hale Marigudi, Hosa Marigudi, and Moorane Marigudi shrines at Kaup, every year scores of animals like hens, sheep, and other animals are slain during the annual Maripuje, and law is being violated," explained advocate for the petitioner Sachin before the bench.

The issue had been mooted by deputy director of animal husbandry department Dr Prabhulingu in a meeting at Kaup police station, in the presence of tahsildar Guruprasad, Karkala DySP Vinay Nayak, Kaup circle inspector Sunil Naik, and heads of the three Marigudi shrines of Kaup.

The district administration's order states that it is a violation of law to sacrifice animals in the name of god and religion. "It is an extremely cruel, inhuman and unscientific practice. It is also a reason for the spread of communicable diseases," the order signed by Udupi DC Dr R Vishal states.

"Hence, under the Karnataka Animal Sacrifice Prohibition Act, 1959, animal sacrifice was completely banned (at places of public religious worship or adoration). Hence, in no context can an animal be sacrificed, or its body parts offered/exhibited/thrown or be sold or cooked or blood let out in public places," the order states.

Under the Act, any person, temple official, worker, member, priest or office-bearers who violates the ban can be taken into custody by the police without warrant. If proved guilty, the person may be sentenced up to six months in jail or fine up to Rs 500, or both.

Reacting to the development, old Marigudi temple treasurer said that it is not right to ban a religious ritual that has been practiced since centuries. The district administration should withdraw its order, he urged.