SC Dismisses PETA’s SLP on Limiting Kambala to Udupi, Dakshina Kannada

On March 10, 2026, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with a November 2025 judgment of the Karnataka High Court rejecting PETA India’s plea to restrict Kambala to the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.[1]

PETA India had sought to restrain the Karnataka government from permitting bull races—whether termed Kambala or otherwise—in Bengaluru or other parts of the State, arguing that the sport is traditionally confined to the two coastal districts and that its expansion elsewhere was driven by commercial considerations rather than cultural preservation.

The Karnataka High Court, however, held that once bullock cart races and Kambala are recognised as part of the tradition and cultural heritage of people of a State, and have been permitted in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Animal Welfare Board of India v. Union of India, [2] there was no basis to confine the sport to particular districts. The Court observed that Kambala is not the customary right of a specific community but a part of traditional celebrations.

The High Court also relied on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Second Amendment) Act, 2017, whose Statement of Objects and Reasons recognises the cultural significance of such traditional sports and permits their conduct within the State.

Finding no reason to interfere with the High Court’s decision, the Supreme Court dismissed PETA India’s Special Leave Petition.

[1] People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India v. State of Karnataka and Ors., SLP(C) No. 8272/2026

[2] (2023) 9 SCC 322