Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed most of a petition filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) seeking restrictions on the traditional Kambala bullock race, allowing it to be held outside Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. However, the court will further examine the impact of the race on animals near the Pilikula Biological Park, a zoo in Mangaluru.
Kambala: tradition and controversy
Kambala is a traditional bullock race originating in coastal Karnataka, where two bullocks are guided by a handler on a wet earthen track. PETA had filed a petition in 2024, urging the court to restrain the government from permitting bullock races outside the two coastal districts. The animal rights organisation also sought enforcement of the amended Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Supreme Court guidelines in all future races.
Senior counsel Dhyan Chinappa, appearing for PETA, argued, “Kambala can only be held in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, where it is part of local culture. In no other part of Karnataka is it traditional.” He also highlighted concerns over animal welfare during transportation from coastal districts to other regions such as Shimoga or Bengaluru. PETA contended that the 2017 amendment allowing Kambala applied only within the two coastal districts.
State’s defence and court observations
Representing the government, advocate Shashikiran Shetty stated, “We have issued regulations for races in Bengaluru, detailing steps to be followed. If your lordships feel additional conditions are required, we are ready to comply.”
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha, noted, “It is a state and therefore if there is an event which is a very integral part of the culture of some locality…why is it that event may not be held elsewhere? The state is unified, and culture is part of it. Demarcating it to only certain districts is not reasonable.”
The judges also observed that the traditional manner of the race cannot be altered, drawing an analogy to other local games, questioning if such events could only be played where they originated.
PETA’s pending concern near Mangaluru zoo
While the petition was dismissed on most grounds, the court will continue to hear PETA’s objections regarding potential disruption to animals from noise when races are conducted near the Pilikula Biological Park in Mangaluru.
The bench emphasised that while cultural traditions are protected, the welfare of animals in proximity to sensitive zones, like zoos, requires careful consideration.
Conclusion
The verdict effectively allows Kambala races across Karnataka, marking a significant decision in balancing cultural traditions and animal welfare concerns. However, the upcoming hearing concerning the race near the Mangaluru zoo will determine specific safeguards to mitigate stress and potential harm to animals in protected areas.