’Kambala’ hearing adjourned again for two weeks by HC

’Kambala’ hearing adjourned again for two weeks by HC

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 24, 2017: It is reported that Karnataka high court has adjourned the hearing of petition submitted by Kambala organising committee asking to lift ban on Kambala  for two weeks on Wednesday as Karnataka state legislature has forwarded an amended bill to the president of India for his approval which was passed favoring Kambala and Bullock cart race in Karnataka.

Karnataka high court Chief justice SK Mukherjee has stated that he has noted in the media reports that the amended bill, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, favouring Kambala and Bullock Cart Race has been forwarded to the president of India for his approval. Therefore, the high court awaits decision by the president on the matter to release an order on the issue.

The prevention of cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (Central Act 59 of 1960) was enacted to prevent the infliction of unnecessary cruelty on animals. The act also recognizes the need to exempt the application of its provisions in certain circumstances considering the significant role played by the traditional sports events, ‘Kambala’ or ‘BuII Race or BuIIock Cart Race’ in preserving and promoting tradition and culture of the land among the people of Karnataka.

Also, considering the vital role of Kambala in ensuring survival and continuance of native breeds of cattle, the Karnataka government has decided to exempt the conduct of Kambala in the state from the preview of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 subject to condition that no unnecessary pain or suffering is caused to animals by the person in charge of the animals. 

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) last year before Karnataka high court seeking ban on Kambala as the rural sport event hurts the animals physically and mentally. Hearing the petition filed, the high court had banned Kambala event in Karnataka till a decision made on the issue. Following the ban, the Kambala organisers of Dakshina Kannada formed a committee and made an appeal before the high court to lift the ban on Kambala with immediate effect.