Orissa High Court Issues Notice on Plea Challenging Ban on Tribal Rites in Similipal Tiger Reserve

The Orissa High Court has issued a notice to the Project Administrator of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency in Baripada, prohibiting tribal rites at Jayara, a sacred site inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve.

The notice was issued in a writ appeal filed by Nandu Ho and two other Munda tribals from Jamunagarh after a single-judge bench denied relief.

The Petitioners claim that the prohibition violates their religious right under Article 25 and tribal customary customs protected by the Fifth Schedule. The matter is posted for hearing on July 21.