India, Feb. 20 -- The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Himachal Pradesh government on a petition alleging regular animal sacrifice in the state, particularly during the Bhunda Mahayagya in Rohru in January.

During the hearing on Wednesday, the state sought additional time to respond to the allegations.

The Supreme Court bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Aravind Kumar granted four weeks to the state to file the counter affidavit to the allegations of animal sacrifice taking place regularly and the authorities "not taking any steps deliberately and intentionally".

The petition filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India and activist Gauri Maulekhi highlighted incidents of animal sacrifice at the Bhunda Mahayagya held from...