The Supreme Court of India has upheld an order by the Madras High Court that prohibits animal sacrifice on the Thiruparankundram hills in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The decision, delivered on Monday, February 9, 2026, dismisses a petition challenging the High Court's October 2025 ruling, with the Supreme Court bench stating that the original order was "very balanced" and that they would not interfere.

The case originated from a dispute over religious practices in the Nellithoppu area on Thiruparankundram hills, near the Subramaniya Swamy Temple. Muslim devotees sought to use the area for prayers during Bakrid and Ramzan, which led to objections from Hindu groups who opposed animal sacrifice and the preparation or consumption of non-vegetarian food in the vicinity of the temple.

In its October 2025 order, the Madras High Court permitted Muslim devotees to gather and offer prayers during religious festivals but imposed restrictions, including a ban on animal sacrifice, cooking or carrying non-vegetarian food, and any activities that might affect the traditional pathways used by devotees of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple. The High Court had also stated that any decision regarding permission for animal sacrifice must be left to a competent civil court.

A petition was subsequently filed by Muslim devotees, arguing that the High Court's restrictions infringed upon their fundamental right to freedom of religion under Article 25 of the Constitution. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, argued that there had been no history of law-and-order issues in the area that would warrant such restrictions.

The Supreme Court, however, rejected this argument, noting that the existence of a peace committee in the area suggested some underlying tensions or potential for conflict. The bench, composed of Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale, stated that the presence of a peace committee indicated a problem.

The Supreme Court's decision effectively maintains the status quo, with the restrictions imposed by the Madras High Court remaining in place. This means that while Muslim devotees can continue to offer prayers at the Sikandar Badusha Avuliya Dargah, which is located on the Thirupparankundram hills, such prayers are restricted to the occasions of Ramzan and Bakri-Id, and animal sacrifice is prohibited within the Dargah premises. The annual Santhanakoodu Urus festival is also restricted to a maximum of 50 participants.

The ruling has been viewed by some as a significant legal victory for Hindu stakeholders. The Supreme Court's decision underscores the court's emphasis on maintaining communal harmony and respecting existing religious practices in the area.