PETA Plea on Limiting Kambala to Udupi, Dakshina Kannada Rejected

In a setback for PETA India, the Karnataka High Court recently rejected its plea and permitted the state to conduct the buffalo race event, kambala, beyond the rural areas of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.[1]

PETA India’s Plea Before Karnataka HC

PETA India sought to prevent the state government from allowing bull races—whether called kambala or under any other name—in Bengaluru or elsewhere in the state, as the tradition of kambala was limited to Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. It argued that hosting the event outside these areas was driven by commercial motives rather than cultural preservation.

However, the Karnataka High Court rejected its position. Most parts of PETA India’s petition were dismissed, and further hearings will be confined to deciding whether kambala can take place near Pilikula Park in Mangaluru.

Broader Matter Before the Supreme Court

Over a decade ago, the Supreme Court vide decision dated May 7, 2014, in Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja & Ors. (CA No. 5387 of 2014), held that jallikattu and other bull races would be in violation of the rights guaranteed to animals under the Constitution of India and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Thereafter, a 2016 notification issued by the Union of India allowed these sports activities. This notification was challenged before the Supreme Court in view of the 2014 judgment. In the meantime, beginning in 2017, states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra amended the 1960 Act to allow jallikattu, kambala, and bullock cart races, respectively. The petitions were consequently modified, to seek the quashing of these state amendments.

The matter was then referred to a Constitution Bench, and vide order dated May 18, 2023, the Court dismissed the pleas and enabled the sports events to continue. This led PETA India and other animal rights entities to file review petitions against the May 2023 judgment, which are currently pending before the Supreme Court.

References:

[1] People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India v. State of Karnataka & Ors. (WP 18406/2024).