Himachal Pradesh: Ban on animal sacrifice to continue, govt to wait for SC decision, says CM

The Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday ruled-out the possibilities of enacting any law or promulgating an ordinance against the ban on animal sacrifice in the state. The ban was imposed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court last year on a PIL filed by Sonali Purewal, an animal rights activist and two other petitioners.

Chief Minister Virbhahdra Singh informed the state assembly that Kullu MLA Maheshwar Singh and others have filed a Special Leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court against the High Court orders and the government will soon present its viewpoint on the issue

“There is no move to file a review petition or pass any legislation. The government will wait for the Supreme Court order,” said Singh.

Ravinder Ravi, a BJP MLA and former minister, who had raised the issue in the House, reminded the chief minister of his statement during the Mandi Shivratri festival when he spoke about a proposed ordinance to give relief to the people, who believe in keeping on with the tradition of animal sacrifice during fairs and festivals .

However, the chief minister denied making any such statements. “Well, I never made such a statement. Also, I can’t be made accountable for whatever newspapers write about me “ he clarified.

The chief minister, however, rued that the ban covers only one community (Hindus) while there are other religions –wherein such a thing (animal sacrifice) was prevalent. “There is a thought that why only one community has been banned and others continue to practice. The ban imposed by the High Court not only covers the animals like sheep and goats, but also birds,” he said.

Source:: Indian Express