Ensure safety of snakes: Bombay high court to govt

Coming to the rescue of snakes, the Bombay high court has asked the government to ensure that the reptiles are not injured during Nagpanchami. It has also continued its ban against the procession of snakes in the state.

A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Girish Godbole heard a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by four persons seeking action against those who capture snakes and torture them in the name of religion.

During Nagpanchami, which falls on August 4 this year, snakes are worshipped as deities and fed milk. Satish Borulkar, counsel for the petitioners, argued that the reptiles are tortured in the name of religion.

“There is no custom of worshipping live snakes, it is supposed to be their idols that are worshipped,” argued Borulkar, adding that a study by Bharat Ratna awardee Dr PV Kane, proves this.

According to the Wildlife Protection Act, even capturing snakes amounts to hunting. Borulkar. argued that the number of species of snakes has vanished because of the practice.

Shekhar Jagtap, advocate for the gram panchayat of village Shirala in Sangli district, opposed the PIL saying that utmost care is taken of the snakes. The snakes are allegedly captured a few days before Nagpanchami and are released at the exact same spot after the festival.

“Their natural habitat is replicated while they are in captivity,” added Jagtap. The high court has kept the PIL for hearing on August 29.