1. The Tripura government suspends the principal chief conservator of forests, Prabin Lal Agrawal, following a complaint by the VHP to the Calcutta High Court.
2. The controversy arose over the naming of a lion and lioness as Akbar and Sita, respectively, at the state’s Sepahijala Zoological Park.
3. The VHP alleged that the names hurt religious sentiments, prompting the government’s action in response to the complaint.
Agartala, Feb 26: The Tripura government has taken action amid a controversy over the naming of a lion and lioness as Akbar and Sita, respectively, in the state’s Sepahijala Zoological Park.
The principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife and ecotourism), Prabin Lal Agrawal, has been suspended in response to a complaint filed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to the Calcutta High Court, alleging that the names hurt religious sentiments.
The animals were originally named by the Sepahijala Zoological Park in Tripura and transferred to the North Bengal Wild Animals Park in Siliguri, North Bengal, as part of an animal exchange program.
However, the North Bengal Wild Animals Park authorities were considering renaming the animals due to the controversy.
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Akbar, a name associated with a prominent Muslim ruler of the Mughal Empire in India, and Sita, recognized as the consort of Lord Rama in Hindu mythology, sparked outrage among certain individuals, prompting the VHP to file a petition urging for a change in the names.
In a verbal observation, the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court expressed concerns over the decision to name the animals “Sita” and “Akbar,” suggesting that such naming could have been avoided to prevent controversy.
Justice Bhattacharyya, presiding over the bench, questioned the appropriateness of naming animals after revered figures, whether they be deities, mythological heroes, freedom fighters, or Nobel laureates.
Justice Bhattacharyya emphasized that such controversies should have been avoided, expressing disapproval of the chosen names for the animals.
He questioned the logic behind naming a lion and lioness after historical and mythological figures, suggesting that prudence should guide the naming process to prevent unnecessary conflict.
The suspension of Prabin Lal Agrawal reflects the government’s response to address the concerns raised by the VHP and the observations made by the Calcutta High Court.
The incident underscores the delicate balance between cultural sensitivity and administrative decisions, especially concerning matters of religious sentiment.
Moving forward, the West Bengal Zoo Authority is urged to reconsider the names of the animals, ensuring that future naming decisions are carefully considered to avoid any potential controversies or offense to religious sentiments.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful and inclusive practices in the management of public institutions and spaces.
