#animal welfare

The Madurai High Court has permitted the Kitta Muttu ritual during the Chithirai festival, conditioning its approval on strict veterinary and police oversight to prevent animal cruelty. This ruling reinforces that religious practices under Article 25 are protected, but not absolute - they must yield to statutory welfare obligations, setting a precedent for balancing faith and animal rights in Tamil Nadu’s cultural festivals.

Kerala High Court permits use of two elephants to push chariots in temple festivals, subject to strict anti-cruelty conditions, affirming religious practice within animal welfare bounds.