Prevent animal sacrifice, HC tells State

The High Court on Monday directed the State government, the departments of Home Affairs and Animal Husbandry, and the commissioner of police to take action to prevent the killing of animals in the name of ‘sacrifice’, and effectively implement the provisions of the Karnataka Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act, 1959.

While disposing of a petition, a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice S K Mukherjee and Justice Ram Mohan Reddy also directed the administrator of Sri Bisilu Maramma Temple in Chikkamavalli and Sri Bisilu Maramma (Chikkamaramma) Temple in RV Road to refrain from conducting, assisting, aiding and abetting animal sacrifice in the temple precincts.

The petitioner, Vishwa Prani Kalyana Mandal, contended that the said temple was conducting animal sacrifice during Mavalli Oora Habba and that it would do so on June 9, too.

The petitioner contended that sacrificing animals was illegal as it violated the Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act.

Notice to NHAI over toll
The High Court on Monday ordered notice to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Navayuga Devanahalli Tollway Private Limited, the Central and the State governments following a petition challenging the collection of toll for using the service road near Devanahalli.

The petitioner Naveen Kumar has contended that collecting toll for using the service road was against the agreement between NHAI and Navayuga.

A division bench headed by acting Chief Justice S K Mukherjee ordered the notice.