Gauhati High Court Bans Buffalo and Bulbuli Bird Fights in Assam

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The Gauhati High Court on December 17, 2024, issued a landmark ruling banning Buffalo and Bulbuli bird fights in Assam, overturning a government notification from 2023 that had permitted these events. The order came after hearing arguments from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which contended that the 2023 government notification violated several crucial laws, including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Jalikattu case (Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja).

Court’s Findings

In its ruling, the court highlighted several critical points:

  1. Violation of Animal Protection Laws:
    The court emphasized that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, mandates that individuals responsible for animals have a duty to protect them. If animals’ rights are violated, the law will enforce those rights through legal sanctions. The court asserted that the 2023 notification allowing animal fights was contrary to these rights and could not be upheld.
  2. No Amendments in Assam:
    The court noted that unlike other states, Assam had not amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to permit such activities. Instead, the state sought to override national laws and judgments, such as the Wildlife Protection Act and the Nagaraja judgment, which prohibit the exploitation and cruelty towards animals for entertainment purposes.
  3. Legal Precedents:
    The court referred to the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment in Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja, which had struck down the practice of Jalikattu (bullfighting) and reinforced the need to protect animals from cruelty. The permission to hold such fights was deemed an infringement on the spirit of these judgments.

Outcome

In conclusion, the Gauhati High Court set aside the controversial government notification, effectively banning buffalo and Bulbuli bird fights in Assam. A detailed judgment is expected soon. This ruling marks a significant step in animal welfare advocacy and upholds the legal framework protecting animals from cruelty.0

Case Title:

People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India v. The State of Assam and Ors.

Case Number: WP(C) / 981 / 2024

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