HC interim order temporarily bans Kambala races in Karnataka

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 22, 2016: Reports state the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee and Justice Budihal R B passed an interim order banning all Kambala races in the state until the disposal of PIL filed by PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, India. The court took note of submissions made on behalf of the state by Madhusudhan Naik, Advocate General, who informed that government has already withdrawn its order allowing Kambala events under certain regulations.

PETA had challenged the regulations through its PIL - in view of orders given by the SC in the jallikattu and bull race case in January 2016. A final hearing will take place after the SC disposes batch of petitions filed by PETA and other animal-protection groups challenging January 7 notification of the central government permitting events such as jallikattu and bull races despite an SC judgement of May 2014 that categorically held that such events cannot be allowed.

The SC stayed that notification on January 12, 2016, stating that such events are not allowed. This matter is now scheduled for a hearing on December 2. There is absolutely no room in today’s civilised society for races that involve forcing already overworked bulls to run out of fear and the threat of physical abuse, says Dr Manilal Valliyate, PETA India director of veterinary affairs. "We are celebrating this interim relief and are relieved that bulls will now be spared suffering."

On November 16, after hearing arguments of the Animal Welfare Board of India and PETA India, the SC dismissed review petition filed by Tamil Nadu against May 7, 2014 ban on jallikattu and bull races enforced by the apex court in the AWBI v A Nagaraja and others case. In 2014, the SC acknowledged that bulls are not anatomically suited for races or similar activities. Making them participate subjects them to unnecessary pain and suffering, so such events were prohibited.

The court also stated that when culture and tradition are at variance with the law enacted by Parliament and the law would take precedence. PETA India - whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to use for entertainment" - has long campaigned against the use of bulls in performances. The interim order will hit preparations for the Kambala or slush track buffalo races held in coastal Karnataka where the event is celebrated as a folk festival.