In Bhattacharjee v. State of Tripura, (Tripura High Ct., Sept. 27, 2019), a 2-judge panel of the High Court in a state in northeast India prohibited the sacrifice of animals or birds in any temples in the state. In its 72-page opinion, the court held that only practices which are an “essential and integral part of religion” are protected by Art. 25(1) of India’s Constitution. The court said in part:
[I]t cannot be said that the practice of animal sacrifice is essential to the core of the tenets rituals, ceremonies, ceremonies, beliefs observances or the practice of religion within the temple of Mata Tripureswari or other temples managed by the State within the State of Tripura….
In the instant case, sacrifice of animal in temples is not done out of necessity but merely on the unsighted conviction and credence that such activity would please the deity, who in return would bestow them with blessings and wellbeing. …
The ban on sacrifice of animal … does not infringe the fundamental right as enshrined in Part III under Art 25(1) of the constitution for the reason that such practice is contrary to constitutional morality and health….
The animals have basic rights and we have to recognise and protect them. The animal and bird breath like us. They are also creation of God. They have also a right to live in harmony with human beings and the nature….
The Leaflet discusses the decision at length.