GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court recently passed a judgement directing Nagaon District administration to take steps to prevent unauthorised buffalo fights, reported media.
Earlier, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India had filed a writ petition in the Gauhati High Court stating that despite the notification issued by the Assam Government on December 27, 2023, which permitted buffalo fights at a specific time of a year to be completed within ten days succeeding Magh Bihu (i.e. from 15th to 25th January), buffalo fights were still being held in various areas of the state, including one which was being organized at Hatigarh on February 04, 2024.
Agreeing in favour of the petitioners, the bench of Justice Manish Choudhury stated, ““...the applicant-petitioner should bring such facts of holding of buffalo fight [Moh-juj] before the concerned District Administration, that is, the Deputy Commissioner, Nagaon first by way of a representation latest by tomorrow i.e. 02.02.2024. In the said representation, the applicant-petitioner shall mention the details of the event [like place, time, date, etc.] of the buffalo fight [Moh-juj] so as to enable the District Administration to take any effective steps. In the event such a representation is filed by the applicant-petitioner by tomorrow, the District Administration, Nagaon shall take steps to enquire into the same and upon enquiry, it is found that any event of buffalo fight [Moh-juj] is being organized on 04.02.2024, as asserted by the applicant-petitioner, effective steps should be taken in terms of the SOP/Guidelines/Notification dated 27.12.2023 for prevention of such buffalo fight [Moh-juj],”
The matter is listed for further hearing on Tuesday, February 6.
