Split verdict by two judges of the Madras High Court !

Animal sacrifice at the dargah located on the Tirupparankundram hill — a place considered sacred by Hindus

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – In Madurai district, a dargah located on the Tirupparankundram hill — a place considered holy by Hindus — has become the subject of a legal dispute regarding animal sacrifice and prayers. Two judges of the Madras High Court have delivered divided (i.e., differing) opinions on the matter. As a result, the case will now be placed before the Chief Justice for further consideration.

A petition was filed by the Hindu Makkal Katchi (a Hindutva organization) requesting that animal sacrifice, prayer rituals, and public gatherings at the dargah not be permitted.

No documentary or historical evidence of animal sacrifice at the dargah – Justice S. Srimathy

Justice S. Srimathy stated that there is no tradition of offering prayers at the dargah during Islamic festivals like Ramzan or Bakri Eid. She considered such practices to be recent developments and not eligible for legal sanction. Additionally, she noted no documentary or historical evidence of animal sacrifices being conducted at “Nellithoppu” (the location on the hill). Therefore, she recommended that both prayers and animal sacrifices be prohibited.

Animal sacrifice has been practiced for years — Justice J. Nisha Banu

In contrast, Justice J. Nisha Banu ruled that Muslims should not be prohibited from offering prayers or organizing gatherings at “Nellithoppu” on the hill. She observed that animal sacrifice is a well-established religious practice, not just at this dargah but also followed in several temples across the country. Hence, it cannot be selectively banned.

She further emphasized that since animal sacrifices have been taking place at the dargah for many years, and given the distance between the dargah and the Hindu temple on the hilltop, the religious practices of one community do not interfere with the sanctity of the other. Therefore, she allowed prayers and animal sacrifices to continue.