The Karnataka High Court has cleared the state to hold traditional Kambala bull races beyond Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, dismissing PETA’s objections.
Bengaluru
The Karnataka High Court has allowed the state government to conduct the traditional bull race, Kambala, beyond the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, rejecting a petition by PETA that argued holding the event outside these regions is “purely for commercial purposes.”
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakru and Justice C.M. Poonacha, observed that the tradition of one part of the state represents the culture of the entire state, adding that limiting Kambala to specific districts is not justified. The court clarified that events must comply with existing acts and regulations and emphasized that courts will generally defer to the legislature on such cultural matters.
During the hearing, Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty stated that moving festivals like Kambala to other locations, including Bengaluru, is permissible if it promotes culture. Measures to ensure the safety and welfare of animals during transit are in place, and additional conditions will be followed as directed by the court. However, the High Court directed that no Kambala events be held within the zoo premises, with future consideration limited to whether races can be held near Pilikula Park.
PETA had sought to halt Kambala races in Bengaluru, citing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the 2017 Karnataka amendment, arguing that the tradition is restricted to rural Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The court, however, closed the PIL for other purposes, allowing the state to continue promoting the sport while ensuring compliance with regulations.
