‘Why restrict it to one area only?’: SC dismisses PETA plea challenging Kambala event at Bengaluru Palace Grounds

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Mar 10, 2026: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea filed by NGO People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India challenging the conduct of the traditional Kambala buffalo race at Bengaluru’s Bangalore Palace Grounds, observing that the cultural sport can be showcased in different parts of Karnataka.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta declined to entertain the petition against the Karnataka High Court’s November 14 order that allowed the buffalo race to be organised outside the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

During the hearing, PETA’s counsel argued that the state had earlier submitted an affidavit stating that Kambala is a traditional sport historically held in the coastal regions of Karnataka and that organising it in Bengaluru’s Palace Grounds had no connection with local tradition or culture.

The counsel further contended that the event could amount to cruelty to animals. However, the court had earlier observed that such events could be permitted due to safeguards provided under Section 3(2) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, following amendments made by the state.

Responding to the argument, the bench questioned the restriction on the event being held only in specific regions. “If the culture is to be showcased in different parts of the state, what is wrong? Let people in other parts of the state be familiar with the culture. Why restrict it to a particular area only?” the bench remarked.

While dismissing the plea, the bench also observed that the court might, at some point, raise questions to PETA on similar matters.

In its petition, PETA argued that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as amended by Karnataka, provided only a limited and conditional exemption for Kambala and bull or bullock cart races when they are “normally held as a part of tradition and culture,” which it claimed historically applied only to certain coastal districts.

The plea further stated that holding such races in non-traditional cities like Bengaluru or Shivamogga would violate the Act and previous Supreme Court judgments in the Animal Welfare Board of India vs Union of India (2023) and A. Nagaraja vs Union of India (2014).

PETA also noted that its review petition filed in 2023 before the Supreme Court seeking a complete ban on Kambala and similar events is still pending.