Calcutta HC Intervenes: Lions Named 'Sita' and 'Akbar' Spark Controversy, Court Suggests Renaming

In a noteworthy development, the Calcutta High Court has intervened in a dispute surrounding the naming of lions in the Bengal Safari Park, urging the West Bengal government to consider renaming them. The court's suggestion comes in response to a petition by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), objecting to a lioness being named 'Sita,' asserting that it offends Hindu sentiments.

The Additional Advocate General clarified that the names 'Sita' and 'Akbar' were assigned by Tripura Zoo authorities in 2016 and 2018, well before the lions were relocated to Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri.

While hearing the plea, Justice Saugata Bhattacharya expressed concern, saying, "Can anyone of us think of naming an animal after Rabindranath Tagore? Sita is worshipped by a larger section of this country ... I also oppose naming the lion after Akbar. He was an efficient, successful, and secular Mughal Emperor."

The court emphasized the potential for controversy and suggested alternative names. "You could have named it Bijli or something like that. But why give such names of Akbar and Sita?" the judge questioned.

The VHP's plea contends that naming a lioness 'Sita' infringes on the right to religion and hurts religious sentiments. The court, reclassifying the matter as a public interest litigation (PIL), ordered that the plea be listed before the bench that handles PILs.

The Additional Advocate General assured the court that new names would be assigned but requested the dismissal of the petition. Responding to this, the court advised against controversies and emphasized responsible naming. "Please avoid controversy. Ask your officers to rename these animals ... Generally, who are revered and respected, their names shouldn't be given," the court remarked.

The court's intervention underscores the delicate balance required in naming animals housed in public spaces. The suggestion of non-controversial names like 'Bijli' aims to prevent further discord over religious sentiments and uphold communal harmony.

This incident raises broader questions about the cultural sensitivity involved in naming animals, prompting a reconsideration of the process to avoid unintended controversies.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University