New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on the ban order of Orissa High Court on animal sacrifice during Chhatar Yatra in Kalahandi district.
The High Court, in its order on January 6, imposed a ban on sacrifice of animals and birds in and around Maa Manikeshwari temple at Bhawanipatna during the festival scheduled on October 24.
Petitioner Bhawani Shankar Nial had moved the Supreme Court seeking interim direction to perform the sacrifices.
Last month, the district administration had also stated that there will be no animal sacrifice during the Yatra or congregation of devotees at the temple. “To stop the people from visiting the temple to witness the yatra, the district administration will seal Bhawanipatna town on the day,” Kalahandi collector Gavali Parag Harshad said.