Overview

• On July 2, BJP MLA Satyajit Deshmukh moved a calling attention motion to reinstate live cobra worship in Battis Shirala during Nag Panchami, overturning a 2002 Bombay High Court ban
• Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said he will meet Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on July 7–8 to explore legal avenues, including potential court petitions, for revival
• Proponents highlight the ritual’s deep cultural roots, its inclusion in local school curricula and its role in attracting foreign tourists to Sangli district
• Herpetologists and animal rights activists contend that capturing and parading protected cobras violates the Wildlife Protection Act and inflicts undue cruelty
• Supporters cite precedents such as judicial clearances for Jallikattu and ceremonial elephant use as models for harmonizing tradition with animal welfare safeguards