GUWAHATI: The Gauhati high court has issued a directive to the Assam government, demanding an explanation within three weeks regarding the purported breach of its order concerning buffalo and bulbul fights in the state.
This decision comes in response to a second writ petition filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on February 25, accompanied by two first information reports (FIR), alleging the conduct of buffalo fights in violation of the court’s mandate.
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A special bench, led by Justice Manish Choudhury, noted the court’s stance against such activities while highlighting the silence of state authorities on the matter. In an order issued on March 4, Justice Choudhary emphasized the need for strict compliance with the court’s directives and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the cessation of unauthorized buffalo fights.
The court’s order mandates the Assam authorities to notify and enforce compliance with the SOPs and court directives, further instructing the district administration and competent authorities to adhere to these guidelines.
The matter has been listed for the next hearing on April 1, with the court granting the Assam authorities respondents three weeks to submit an affidavit.
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The Gauhati high court‘s intervention stems from PETA India‘s application for interim relief against traditional buffalo fight competitions permitted by the Assam government.
The court had previously directed the immediate cessation of unauthorized buffalo fights, declaring any such events held after January 25 as prima facie illegal.
During the March 4 hearing, the court also urged the Assam government to ensure district administration authorities’ compliance with the SOPs.
The Assam government had authorized traditional buffalo fights and bulbul fights in December last year, with events taking place during the Magh Bihu celebrations on January 15 and 16.
However, PETA filed a writ petition in early February, alleging cruelty to animals and birds during these events, citing violations of relevant animal protection laws.