Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 21: The state high court (HC)has ordered both the district deputy commissioner (DC) and 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 if the HC presided over by Justice K L Manjunath issued orders to these officials to take precautionary measures to see that animals are not given as sacrificial offerings during this festival.

The HC issued orders as above after considering a public interest petition filed on the subject by a local advocate, Alevoor Premaraj Kini. The bench directed to bring to the notice of the DC and SP the contents of this order. Through the petition, 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.

Kini said that he had already written to both the DC and SP of the district on March 16, to take prompt action to stop animal sacrifice during Maripuje. He said he is yet to get any response from these officials.