The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government to change the names of lion 'Akbar' and lioness 'Sita' to avoid controversy.
The Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta HC asked the government toi take a "prudent decision, avoid this controversy".
The Bench was hearing petitions filed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad's north Bengal unit and two other individuals. During the hearing, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya asked whether animals can be named after gods, mythological heroes, freedom fighters or Nobel laureates.
The Judge asked, "Why should you draw controversy by naming a lioness and a lion after Sita and Akbar?"
The VHP filed the petition claiming that a lioness transferred to Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri from Tripura was named Sita and prayed that the name be changed.
Two lions were brought from Tripura's Sepahijala Zoological Park on February 12. The lion was named Akbar, the VHP said.
