Uttarakhand HC Allows Animal Sacrifice at Slaughterhouse for Nanda Devi Festival

The Uttarakhand High Court has permitted animal sacrifice rituals associated with the Nanda Devi festival to be performed at a designated slaughterhouse near the temple, provided environmental compliance is ensured.

Passing an interim order, the Division Bench of Chief Justice G. Narender and Justice Subhash Upadhyay, observed that preventing the ritual could lead to law and order concerns given its cultural significance.

"Interim order of this nature is passed in view of the fact that the festival is commencing today, and the learned Chief Standing Counsel for the State submits that if this offering to the deity is prevented it may lead to law and order issue" the court said.

It directed the Pollution Control Board (PCB) officer to immediately inspect the slaughterhouse, and if the effluent treatment system is found to be operational, permit the resumption of activities. The bench also instructed the Nagar Palika and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with earlier court directions prohibiting sacrificial rituals on temple grounds.

The order came in response to a public interest litigation seeking an alternative arrangement for sacrificial rituals as part of one of the most culturally significant festivals of Kumaon, celebrated annually in Nainital from August 28 to September 5.

The petition, filed by Pawan Jatav, argued that the festival holds deep religious importance for local communities, who believe sacrificial offerings symbolize devotion and fulfillment of vows to the goddess.

He submitted that he had approached the District Magistrate in July requesting that a slaughterhouse near the temple be designated for this purpose, citing safety and appropriateness, but no action was taken. Jatav prayed that the High Court direct authorities to set up a temporary facility where goats could be slaughtered after performing rituals at the temple.

The court noted that animal sacrifice on temple premises has been prohibited for over a decade.

In 2011, the High Court banned animal sacrifice inside the Nanda Devi Temple citing hygiene concerns and insufficient slaughterhouse infrastructure.

This position was reiterated in 2016 when the court clarified that no sacrificial rituals should be carried out within temple premises. The petitioner confirmed that these restrictions are being adhered to.

During the hearing, the counsel for the Nagar Palika Parishad informed the court that the effluent treatment plant at the slaughterhouse is now functional and that the Pollution Control Board has been notified. Initially, the PCB had refused consent for operation due to non-functioning of the plant, but the municipality claimed the issue has been resolved. An officer from the municipality further assured that all shortcomings have been addressed, and the slaughterhouse has received an NOC to operate for the next five days to accommodate the ongoing festival.

The matter will next be heard on September 8, 2025.

Case Title: Pawan Jatav v. State of Uttarakhand & Ors.

Order Date: August 29, 2025

Bench: Chief Justice G. Narendar and Justice Subhash Upadhyay