The court has now posted the matter for further hearing on September 10.
Published Sep 04, 2025 | 9:34 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 04, 2025 | 9:34 PM
The Karnataka High Court. (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: The Karnataka High Court issued notice to the state on a plea by Sri Honneshwaraswamy Devasthana Trust challenging a police ban on non-vegetarian food near the temple. Petitioners argue no animal sacrifices occur and the ban violates local customs and legal provisions. The court sought clarification on the decision and customs before the next hearing on September 10.
On Thursday, 4 September, the Karnataka High Court issued notices to the state government in response to a plea by the Sri Honneshwaraswamy Devasthana Jeernodhara Seva Samithi Trust (R). The Trust is seeking to quash a police notice that prohibits the consumption of non-vegetarian food around the premises of the Sri Honneshwara Deity.
According to Livelaw, “The counsel for petitioners argued that they cannot have any grievance about animal sacrifice but the petitioner’s grievance stems from the fact that they reside within 200 meters and this not only stops them from having food of their choice but also prevents, contrary to local customs, offering services.”
Issuing the order, Justice BM Shyam Prasad noted, “This court is of the view that notice be accepted by the additional government advocate for the respondents no 1 and she is to secure instructions on the circumstances in which this decision is taken and also whether local jurisdiction police has verified the customs prevalent in so far as services offered by the devotees within the precincts of the temple.”
The court has now posted the matter for further hearing on September 10.
The details of the case, according to the petition reads: “The 1st petitioner, a registered trust managing the private Sri Honneshwaraswamy Temple, oversees the religious activities of devotees across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.”
“Due to space constraints near the temple, devotees constructed a nearby kitchen and dining hall where they have traditionally prepared and consumed both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, without conducting any animal sacrifices.”
“The 4th respondent issued a notice banning animal sacrifices within 200 meters of the temple and prohibiting the consumption of non-vegetarian food, citing directions from a court order in W\.P. No.18124/2023, which merely required consideration of a representation by Mr. Honnesh Gowda.”
“Petitioners clarified that no sacrifices occur, but non-vegetarian food is consumed outside the temple precincts. The 4th respondent did not respond or amend the notice. Residents of Shivanagere village, where the temple is located, also objected, noting the restriction would unjustly affect household cooking. The petitioners argue the notice exceeds legal provisions under the Karnataka Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act, 1959,” it read.
(With inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)
