New Delhi, 13March 2026: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to the Central government on a PIL by advocate Shruti Bisht seeking a ban on animal sacrifice in temples as part of religious practices and amendment to Section 28 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which provides that the killing of animals in a manner required by religion does not constitute an offence.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta sought the response of the Union government and listed the matter for hearing after four weeks.
The public interest litigation (PIL) contends that the statutory exemption under Section 28 effectively allows the continued practice of animal sacrifice during religious ceremonies. The petitioner has sought directions to amend the provision and introduce appropriate legal safeguards to prevent the killing of animals in the name of religious customs.
According to the petition, the practice of animal sacrifice continues in several regions despite growing public awareness about animal welfare. It states that such practices are still prevalent in parts of the Himalayas, northeastern India, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra and southern India, where animals are offered as ritual sacrifices in temples and during religious ceremonies.
The plea urges the Court to direct the government to frame a comprehensive policy to curb the practice, including stronger legislative enactment, public awareness initiatives and cooperation with animal welfare organisations.
The petition further argues that the continued exemption for religious slaughter undermines the objective of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which is intended to safeguard animals from unnecessary suffering. It contends that animals too deserve protection from cruelty and that existing legal frameworks should evolve to reflect modern standards of compassion and welfare.
PIL by advocate Shruti Bisht, also seeks directions to the authorities to take effective steps to prevent ritual animal sacrifice in temples and other religious spaces.
Pramod kumar is a Senior Journalist, Covering Supreem Court of India
