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Karnataka govt begins submissions against PIL seeking to restrict kambala bullock race to 2 districts

In the PIL, PETA has requested that the Karnataka government be restrained from giving permission to hold bullock races outside the two districts and also be directed to enforce provisions of the amended Animals Act as well as Supreme Court directions in any further race.

PETA has requested that the Government be restrained from giving permission to hold bullock races outside the two districts and also be directed to enforce provisions of amended Act as well as Supreme Court directions in any further race. (File)

Karnataka on Wednesday began its submissions with regards to a PIL filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) against holding the kambala bullock race outside Dakshina Karnataka and Udupi districts.

In the PIL, PETA has requested that the Karnataka government be restrained from giving permission to hold bullock races outside the two districts and also be directed to enforce provisions of the amended Animals Act as well as Supreme Court directions in any further race. The animal rights group also requested that a November 2023 government order giving permission to such races to be declared ultra vires and that action be taken against organisers of such races in Bengaluru.

Their counsel had made submissions in the matter this Tuesday, arguing that the race could not be held outside its traditional area of origin, as the amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act allowing it had done so based on the argument of preserving culture.

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Speaking before the bench consisting Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind, the counsel for the race organiser stated that the programme was not planned to be conducted soon.

Representing the state government, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty stated, “The question is whether you should only do it in Dakshina Kannada, South Kanara….this is the culture of the State of Karnataka which has arisen. Whether it amounts to cruelty to the animal….horses are imported and moved from state to state for races.”

The state further submitted that if any decisions were taken regarding grant of permission for the race, the court would be informed. The matter is set to be further heard on November 5.

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