The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Special Leave Petition filed by Bharath Hindu Munnani seeking permission to organise a protest procession at Thiruparakundram Hill in Madurai against animal sacrifices.
The Bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice PB Varale noted that the petition was filed for taking out a procession on February 18. Since time has passed, the prayers have become infructuous.
Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate G Mutharasu requested the Bench to consider an alternative date for allowing the procession.
The Apex Court said it was not here for such petty things and rejected the plea.
Filed by S Yuvaraj, Deputy District President of the BHM, North Chennai, the SLP challenged the February 2025 order of the Madras High Court, which refused to give permission for the procession on the grounds that the State could not permit any form of protest that could disrupt public peace and harmony.
The petition sought directions to the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Police (Flower Bazaar Police Station) to permit the outfit to take out a procession on February 18, with a Vel (spear often associated with Lord Murugan) from Egambarashwarar Temple to Sri Muthukumarasamu Kovil Devasthanam Rasappa Street in Chennai.
The Thiruparakundram Hills, which houses the Kasivishwanathar temple and the Sikkandar Dargah, recently came under the eye of a storm after animal sacrifices were prohibited at the Dargah. A video showing a group of individuals consuming non-vegetarian food at the hill became viral on social media. This led to widespread outrage with some Hindu groups planning a protest against the incident.
The District Collector had imposed a prohibitory order in the area on February 3 and 4, 2025 under Section 144 CrPC (now Section 163 BNSS), after getting information from the Commissioner of Police about the proposed agitation, to ensure communal harmony.
The State police also issued a press note informing the general public not to visit the Thiruparakundram temple. Police further asked the fleet and transport operators not to carry the public to the temple for protests and asked the shops & halls near the temple to remain closed.
The petitioners argued that their representations for carrying out the procession were not considered by the authorities, prompting them to approach the High Court.