APHC010240962026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI WP(PIL) NO: 101 of 2026 Bench Sr.No:-97 [3584] Nallabothula Balappa and others ...Petitioners Vs. The State of Andhra Pradesh and others ...Respondents ********** Advocate for Petitioners : Mr. Gadipudi Venkateswarulu appearing vice Mr. Seshadri Goalla Advocates for Respondents : GP for Home – R1, R4 & R5 GP for Revenue – R2, R3 & R6 Mr. Mattegunta Sudhir, Standing Counsel for Z.P.Ps, M.P.Ps & Gram Panchayats – R7 Mr. M. Karibasaiah – R8 & R9 K. V. Raghuveer CORAM : THE CHIEF JUSTICE LISA GILL SRI JUSTICE CHALLA GUNARANJAN DATE : 7th July 2026 P C : Grievance raised in this writ petition is that official respondents are not taking necessary steps to prevent Animal Slaughter (Pashu Bali) in Oori Devara Jatara (Village Deity Festival) of Bukkaraya Samudram Village and Mandal, Anantapur district. 2 W.P.(PIL) No.101 of 2026 2. It is pleaded in writ petition that Oori Devara Jatara of Bukkaraya Samudram Village and Mandal, Anantapur, was scheduled on 12.05.2026 and 13.05.2026; annual celebrations of deity are performed every year in a peaceful manner since long years. It had been decided by the villagers that sacrificing mute animals is inappropriate and uncivilized, therefore, the practice was discontinued. 3. However, in the year 1999, certain unslightly events in this regard took place leading to registration of crime No.30 of 1999, ultimately leading to conviction of 15 village elders and imposition of fine upon them. Since then, no animal sacrifices were carried out in the village. However, it came to notice of villagers that private respondents were proclaiming that the festival would be conducted in a grand fashion by sacrificing 24,000 mute animals. 4. It is asserted that, despite representations being made to the official respondents in this regard, no action was being taken. 5. Notice of motion was issued. Status report on behalf of respondent No.6 dated 04.05.2026, was filed, wherein it is specifically stated that Peddamma Thalli Devara shall be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere without any form of cruelty or animal sacrifice; warning boards/flexi banners would be installed at all important places within Bukaraya Samudram Village informing that animal cruelty/slaughter is a punishable offence and that penal action shall be taken against violators; public 3 W.P.(PIL) No.101 of 2026 awareness would be created and the village elders involved in organizing festival shall be bound. 6. 6. Reference was made to coordination meeting held on 01.05.2026 at 4:00 P.M. with all concerned Mandal Level Officers of Bukaraya Samudram Village. Precautionary measures as noted in the meeting read as under: 1. The main organizers i.e., unofficial respondents in the writ petition were summoned and bound over on 02-05-2026 under the provisions of Section 126 of the B.N.S.S., 2023, vide this office MC.No.45/2026 dated 02/05/2026 by executing bonds for a sum of ₹2,00,000/- with each surety, for maintaining peace and good behaviour, and have been strictly warned against indulging in any activities contrary to law. 2. Continuous public announcements are being made through mikes by the Panchayat Raj Department officials informing the villagers that no animal slaughter shall be carried out during the Jathara and cautioning them against creating panic or disturbance to public. 3. Flexi banners have been erected at conspicuous places in the village, clearly displaying that animal slaughter is prohibited and that legal action will be initiated against violators. 4. The Police Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Panchayat Raj Department, and Endowments Department are closely coordinating to assess the situation and to take all necessary steps to prevent animal slaughter during the Jathara, and to enforce the provisions of the relevant laws, namely the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950. 4 W.P.(PIL) No.101 of 2026 5. Instructions have been issued to the Village Revenue Officers and field staff to closely monitor the situation, create awareness among villagers against mass slaughter of animals in the name of the deity, and ensure strict maintenance of law and order.” 7. Counter affidavit dated nil.07.2026 has been filed by respondent No.4, wherein it is specifically stated that number of proactive measures were carried out well in advance of the festival; peace committee meetings were held with village elders to reinforce decades-old tradition of peaceful worship; joint coordination meetings were conducted involving Revenue, Animal Husbandry and Panchayat Departments and strict preventive action was taken by binding over potential troublemakers under section 126 of the BNSS, 2023. 8. It is further stated that entire festival celebrated on 12.05.2026 and 13.05.2026 has concluded in a peaceful and orderly manner without any mass sacrifice or illegal activities. Learned Government Pleader for respondent No.4 further submits that authorities are committed to taking appropriate steps, in future as well, to ensure that the festival is always conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, without any form of cruelty or animal sacrifice and in accordance with the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the A.P. Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950. 9. Keeping in view the facts and circumstances as above, we do not find any ground for continuation of present proceedings, which are accordingly closed. 5 W.P.(PIL) No.101 of 2026 10. We are sanguine that, in future as well, the authorities shall take necessary and requisite steps to ensure peaceful conduct of ceremonies and celebrations without any cruelty to animals or animal sacrifice, in accordance with provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the A.P. Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950. 11. Writ Petition is accordingly disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous applications, if any, shall stand closed. LISA GILL, CJ CHALLA GUNARANJAN, J Whether the order is Speaking/Reasoned : Yes Whether the order is Reportable : Yes / No kbs 6 W.P.(PIL) No.101 of 2026 77 HON’BLE MRS. JUSTICE LISA GILL, CHIEF JUSTICE & HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE CHALLA GUNARANJAN W.P.(PIL) No.101 of 2026 Dt: 07.07.2026 kbs