GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has asked the Assam government to clarify its stand on the alleged breach of its order banning buffalo and bulbul fights across the state.
A special bench led by Justice Manish Choudhury, while presiding over the case, expressed concern over the apparent silence of the state authorities on the matter, directing it to clarify its position within a three-week timeframe.
The court acted following a second writ petition filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Nagaon district, alleging continued buffalo fights in violation of court orders, citing severe injuries sustained by the animals involved in February.
Justice Choudhary, in an order issued on March 4, said that the petitioner’s additional affidavit has brought certain facts to suggest that Buffalo fights (Moh Juj) are still being held in the state, and “the authorities are not taking any appropriate measures in this regard”.
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The court stressed on the need for strict compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and court orders, directing the state authorities to notify the enforcement of these regulations through the district administration and clarify its position.
Previously, in response to the government’s authorization of buffalo and bulbul fights during Magh Bihu, PETA India submitted a petition to the Gauhati High Court advocating for its reinstated prohibition. The next hearing is on April 1.
PETA India’s petition argues that these fights violate the Constitution, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Supreme Court judgments, including Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja.
Investigations submitted by PETA India apparently reveal horrifying conditions, including terrified and severely injured buffaloes forced to fight through beatings; intoxicated bulbuls compelled to fight over food.
