Bengaluru, 4 Sep

The Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to the state government concerning a petition from the Sri Honneshwaraswamy Devasthana Jeernodhara Seva Samithi Trust, challenging a ban on non-vegetarian food within 200 metres of the Sri Honneshwara Deity temple in Shivanagere village, Tumakuru district in the State.

The police directive, dated 13 July, 2024, warns that violations regarding meat consumption or animal sacrifice will lead to penal action.

The trust contends that the restriction infringes upon longstanding customs of devotees and disrupts the daily lives of nearby residents. They argue, “The broader restriction on meat consumption is problematic... the 200-meter restriction would prevent villagers from cooking or eating non-vegetarian food even in their own homes.”

The trust has clarified that no animal sacrifices occur within the temple precincts and that food is prepared and consumed outside the temple structure. Justice BM Shyam Prasad has asked the additional government advocate to obtain instructions regarding the rationale for the ban, with further hearings scheduled for 10 September.

The trust also sought interim relief to stay the police notice.