Bengaluru: While the Kambala bulls may be ready to hit the slushy paddy fields, people will have to wait for some more time to see them in action since the Kambala bill seems to be docked at present with Governor Vajubahi Vala awaiting the President’s nod to give the bill a legal status.
Taking a cue from its counterpart state, Tamil Nadu wherein an ordinance was brought out to legalise its traditional sport Jallikattu, both the houses of the Karnataka state legislature had given their nod for the passage of the Kambala bill. The same was forwarded to the governor for his approval.
However, Vala after due consultations with legal experts deemed it right that the President’s approval be obtained to the amendment brought about by the state to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 of the central government. The decision in this regards has been conveyed to both the secretariat of the chief minister and law minister.
Kambala is a traditional folk sport of Dakshina Kannada and while people had been voicing their dissent against the ban on the annual bullock race, it gathered further momentum after massive protests in Tamil Nadu paved a way for Jallikattu. The State government keeping in view the public sentiments and to encourage the cultural practices passed the Kambala bill in the legislative assembly.
