ANI
New Delhi: Bengal wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has taken legal action by moving the Calcutta High Court's Circuit Bench at Jalpaiguri. Their challenge targets the forest department's decision to house a lion named 'Akbar' alongside a lioness named 'Sita' within the confines of Siliguri's Safari park.
The plea was presented before Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya's bench on February 16, 2024, and has been scheduled for a hearing on February 20. This move signifies the gravity of the issue surrounding the co-habitation of the two lions, sparking controversy and raising questions about religious sensitivity and wildlife management.
Recent reports unveil that the lion and lioness were relocated from Sepahijala Zoological Park in Tripura. Forest department officials maintain that the lions arrived pre-named, dismissing claims of renaming upon their transfer to Siliguri's Safari park on February 13.
The choice of names adds layers to the controversy. While 'Akbar' harkens back to one of the illustrious Mughal Emperors, 'Sita' holds deep significance in Hindu mythology as the revered consort of Lord Rama, central to the epic Ramayana.
The VHP, through its legal representation, contends that the state forest department's decision to house 'Sita' with 'Akbar' constitutes an affront to Hindu sentiments and religious reverence. They advocate for a change in the lioness's name, highlighting the sensitivity and respect due to religious symbols.
The plea involves the State's Forest Authorities and the director of Bengal's Safari Park as respondents, reflecting the broader implications and legal scrutiny of wildlife management decisions.
The case is set to be deliberated upon further during the upcoming hearing on Tuesday, February 20, with implications reaching beyond the confines of Siliguri's Safari park. The outcome of this legal battle will likely shape policies regarding wildlife management and religious sensitivities in the region.
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