’Kambala’ High court calls for official stand

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 29, 2014:  The  Karnataka High Court has given directions to the State government to state its stand on banning ‘Kambala’ in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.  The court also ordered issue of notice to the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada and the Deputy Director of Animal Welfare Board, Udupi, who had declined permission for this season’s ‘Kambala’.

Justice S. Abdul Nazeer passed the order on a petition filed by the Kambala committees of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. The petitioners had challenged the decision of the Deputy Director and Deputy Commissioner. Contending that the authorities have “totally misinterpreted” the Supreme Court’s order banning ‘jallikattu’ (bull fighting) in Tamil Nadu, the petitioners claimed that the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, had been applied to ‘Kambala’ without application of mind.

Describing ‘Kambala’ as a traditional folk celebration of the coastal areas of the State, the petitioners pointed out that State authorities themselves had encouraged the the State-owned ‘Pilikula Nisarga Dhama’ at Mangaluru.

Contending that it did not involve cruelty to animals, the petitioners pointed out that the events are held under the guidance of local landlords and the buffaloes are well cared for by the stake holders and admirers of tradition.