By SHELAL LODHI RAJPUT-
Apex Court has issued an interim stay on Orissa High Court’s order of banning animal sacrifice during the Chhatar Yatra in Kalahandi district.
Bench comprising of CJI S.A. Bobde, Justice A.S. Bopanna and Justice V. Ramasubramanian passed an interim order while hearing the petition filed by Bhawani Shanker Nial against the order of Orissa High Court.
On January 6, a division bench comprising Chief Justice S Panda and Justice SK Sahoo of Orissa HC had imposed a ban on sacrifice of the animals and birds in and around the precincts of Maa Manikeshwari temple during the annual Chhatar Yatra festival.
Petitioner approached the Apex court, petition mentioned that the petitioner in the case is not a resident of Kalahandi district and has no knowledge of Chhatar yatra. “The PIL sought to interfere with the age-old customs and religious beliefs of the people of Kalahandi,” said the petition.
The petitioner while addressing media persons said “We are grateful before the apex court for this historical decision. Honourable court has showed utmost respect to the culture of this locality.”
Chhatar Jatra is a traditional festival and ritual practice celebrated by the people (especially Khond tribe) of Kalahandi district every year during the Mahastami of Durga puja festival. Devotees sacrifice animals to appease deity after the rituals performed and procession brough back to the temple.
Last month, the district administration had also stated that there will be no animal sacrifice during the festival or congregation of devotees at the temple.
