The report, “ >Prohibitory orders clamped in Ariyalur village over temple row” (Aug.1), misses an important legal point — that animal sacrifice is illegal under the Local Municipal Corporation Acts, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It is also specifically forbidden in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
It is both ironic and strange that the police in this part of Tamil Nadu have issued prohibitory orders based on the caste problems of two communities while ignoring the fact that the whole practice that both these communities are fighting for is deemed cruel and illegal. I hope the local police will take note of this and enforce existing laws concerning animal cruelty and take action against anybody who indulges in animal cruelty in the name of religion and tradition.
Ramesh Subramanian,
Chennai
