Published Jul 01, 2026 | 5:34 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 01, 2026 | 5:34 PM
Supreme Court
Synopsis: Appeal challenges order banning animal slaughter outside designated slaughterhouses; case now pending before apex court registry.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has moved the Supreme Court of India challenging the recent Madras High Court order that imposed restrictions on animal slaughter during Bakrid and directed that no slaughter should be allowed outside designated slaughterhouses across the state.
According to case details available on the Supreme Court website, the Tamil Nadu government filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP-Civil) on June 9, 2026, seeking to challenge the High Court’s May 27 order. The appeal has been registered under Diary Number 36054/2026 and is currently listed under the Supreme Court registry’s “Cases under Defect List valid for 90 Days”, indicating procedural defects in the filing that are yet to be rectified.
The petition has been filed by the Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, while respondents include K Surya alias K Surya Prasanth, who originally moved the High Court, along with senior police and district administration officials.
The controversy began after the Madras High Court, hearing a petition filed by K Surya Prasanth, passed an order on May 27, 2026, directing the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that no cow or calf is slaughtered during Bakrid or on any other day.
The court also directed authorities to ensure that no animal slaughter takes place outside officially designated slaughterhouses, effectively restricting the traditional practice of many Muslim families carrying out qurbani (ritual sacrifice) at private spaces, community grounds, or locally arranged facilities during Bakrid.
Following the order, the Tamil Nadu Police submitted a compliance report before the High Court detailing statewide instructions issued to district police officials, municipal authorities and local bodies to strictly implement the order.
The High Court order triggered confusion and tension during Bakrid celebrations in several parts of Tamil Nadu.
In districts including Chennai, Coimbatore, Mayiladuthurai and Madurai, police reportedly visited Muslim households and community-organised sacrifice locations, warning residents against carrying out slaughter outside designated facilities.
Several Muslim families and community organisations alleged that the sudden enforcement created fear and uncertainty, with some claiming cattle prepared for sacrifice were seized in certain areas.
The issue sparked criticism from minority rights groups and Muslim political leaders, who argued that the order interfered with constitutionally protected religious practices and that Tamil Nadu lacked adequate slaughterhouse infrastructure to accommodate lakhs of people performing ritual sacrifice on a single day.
The issue also triggered criticism against the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government, with several leaders accusing the state administration of failing to immediately challenge the High Court order before Bakrid celebrations.
Minority Welfare Minister AM Shahjahan had earlier told South First that the judgment created confusion and confirmed that the government was consulting the Law Department and legal experts regarding possible next steps.
He had argued that the order was practically difficult to implement, pointing out that lakhs of animals are sacrificed during Bakrid across Tamil Nadu and that the state does not have enough designated slaughterhouses to handle such a volume in a single day.
Amid growing criticism and concerns over religious freedom, the Tamil Nadu government has now formally approached the Supreme Court seeking relief against the High Court order.
The case remains pending before the apex court registry, and further hearing is expected once filing-related defects are rectified.
The legal challenge is now expected to determine whether the restrictions imposed by the Madras High Court will continue to govern future Bakrid celebrations and other religious animal sacrifice practices across Tamil Nadu.
