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Synopsis

The Karnataka government on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, submitted before the Karnataka High Court that the traditional bull race, ‘Kambala,’ is a cultural event celebrated across the state, and any argument to restrict it to specific regions should be dismissed.

Representing the state government, Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, addressed the division bench of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind, emphasising that Kambala represents Karnataka's cultural heritage. “This is the culture of the State of Karnataka which has arisen. It is not that we have to keep it in Karnataka, we can take it not only in Karnataka but all over India. The question is whether it amounts to cruelty to the animals...Horses are imported from different countries and when horse races are done they move from state to state,” Shetty told the court. The AG also clarified that the state has not yet sought any permission for the event in Bengaluru, contrary to claims made by PeTA. “If we do anything we will inform the court,” he assured, seeking additional time to file a counter affidavit.

The submission came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, which argued that Kambala is traditionally associated with Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. The PIL challenges the expansion of Kambala events beyond their traditional regions, urging a prohibition on organizing such events in non-coastal areas, including Bengaluru.

PeTA India's writ petition seeks several directives, including a restriction on the state government from issuing permits for bull races, such as Kambala, outside the rural areas of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The plea follows the timetable released by the Kambala Samithi, which states that the Kambala season will commence on October 26 and conclude on April 19. It calls for strict enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as amended by the Second Karnataka Amendment Act, 2017, in line with a government notification and Supreme Court directives in the case of The Animal Welfare Board of India and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors. (2023). The petition also challenges a government order dated November 21, 2023, permitting the event, labeling it as a violation of animal welfare laws. Additionally, PeTA seeks interim relief to halt any new permits for Kambala races in non-traditional areas until the case concludes.

The court directed the state to notify PeTA India in advance if any requests for permits are received for Kambala events in the city and adjourned the matter to November 5, 2024 for further hearing.

 

Cause Title: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India v. State of Karnataka & Others [WP 18406/2024]