Gauhati HC orders Assam Govt to ban buffalo fights after Jan 25
First Published: 2nd February, 2024 11:54 IST
The court has directed the state government to file an action taken report by Feb 6
The Gauhati High Court has ordered the Assam government to ban unapproved buffalo fights (Moh-juj) usually held during Magh Bihu in the month of January as part of the Assamese culture and tradition.
The order was issued following the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India’s plea seeking a ban on the traditional buffalo and Bulbul bird fights which were resumed in Assam during this Magh Bihu after a gap of nine years.
The court has also directed the state government to file an action taken report by Tuesday.
Justice Manish Choudhury observed that any buffalo fight held in Assam after January 25, 2024, are prima facie illegal because it is a violation of the time limit set forth in the standard operating procedures (SOP) that the Assam government has issued for organizing these events.
The SOPs ensure the well-being of animals, preventing cruelty during the annual Moh-juj festival, a vital part of Assamese cultural heritage.
PETA India’s petitions cite several violations of central law in the conduct of these events. It has requested that the state’s decision to permit such gatherings be declared unlawful. However, while that is resolved, the court has mandated rigorous implementation of the government’s SOPs.
It may be mentioned here that the buffalo fights were prohibited after the Supreme Court’s 2014 ban on Tamil Nadu’s jallikattu.
However, certain areas, particularly in central Assam, continued organizing these events during Magh Bihu, primarily conducted by animal owners rather than centralized committees.
Despite a 2014 Supreme Court order banning such animal fights, the Assam government granted the revival of traditional buffalo and bullfights during Magh Bihu in January. However, the government has issued a detailed guidelines and SOPs for organizing these events.
Also Read: Assam: ULFA to be officially disbanded today
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Assam Police Issues SOP for Picnic-Goers. Check Do’s and Don’ts
22nd December 2024
Live Arunachal’s Unique Surrendered Air Gun Museum: Tribute to Wildlife Conservation
22nd December 2024
Live 35 dead in bus-truck collision on highway in Southeastern Brazil
22nd December 2024
Live Assam Cyber Police Recovers Rs 23,000 for Dharapur Online Scam Victim
22nd December 2024
WE RECOMMEND
Assam Police Issues SOP for Picnic-Goers. Check Do’s and Don’ts
To ensure a safe picnic experience, picnic-goers are advised not to overspeed, particularly on hilly or narrow roads leading to picnic spots.
22nd December 2024Assam Cyber Police Recovers Rs 23,000 for Dharapur Online Scam Victim
Guwahati Police informed that the recovery was made after the amount was traced to a bank account following the victim's complaint.
22nd December 2024
Assam Intensifies Crackdown on Child Marriage: 416 Arrested in Third Phase
Authorities arrested 416 individuals and registered 335 cases related to child marriage during this phase.
22nd December 2024
Foreign Biker From USA Dies In Road Accident In Assam’s Lumding
The deceased biker has been identified as Elaine Berry Thomson, resident of Georgia, USA.
21st December 2024
Horrifying: Rare Turtle Burnt Alive on Gas Stove in Assam’s Chirang
The video has since then gone viral and has evoked sharp reactions from animal lovers who are calling for action against the culprits.
21st December 2024