HC orders notice to State on plea for Kambala ban

 The High Court on Friday ordered notice to the State government in a petition filed by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India, seeking directions to quash the government notification which allowed Kambala (bullock race) in the State. 

The PETA, in its petition, has sought directions to grant stay and quash the notification, dated December 17, 2015, issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, which had allowed Kambala events with certain conditions.

The petitioner has contended that the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) had filed 65 non-cognisable offence complaints and an FIR following its visit to three Kambala events held between Dec 2014 and Jan 2015.

The inspection report of the AWBI mentioned about gross cruelty towards the animals during the three Kambala events.  Also, violation of several laws as well as the apex court order was evident during the traditional bull races organised in coastal districts, the petitioner argued.

The PETA further contended that the expert committee, constituted by the State government, had submitted its report after inspecting just one race. The report ignores a large number of cruel practices, which were pointed out by the AWBI. The committee consisting of three doctors were not competent to arrive at a finding regarding cruelty to animals and culture.

The petition states that despite numerous representations to the State Government, and letters of the AWBI, Kambala events are continued in the State. This despite being in clear contravention of statutory law and the judgment and orders of the Supreme Court. A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice S K Mukherjee and Justice Ravi Malimath ordered notice and adjourned the hearing.