Gauhati High Court Bans Buffalo and Bulbul Bird Fights in Assam

Guwahati, December 17: In a landmark ruling, the Gauhati High Court has banned buffalo and bulbul bird fights in Assam, striking down a controversial Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the state government that had permitted these events during specific times of the year.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Devashis Baruah of a single-judge bench, quashed the SOP dated December 27, 2023, which had allowed these animal fights to be held during the Bhogali Bihu festival. The decision comes in response to petitions challenging the legality of the practice, with petitioners arguing that the events violated India’s animal protection laws.

The court ruled that buffalo and bulbul bird fights contravene key provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The court also cited the 2014 Supreme Court judgment in the Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja case, which banned all forms of animal fights. The Gauhati High Court’s ruling reinforces the precedent set by the apex court.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India played a significant role in the case, presenting substantial evidence of the cruelty inflicted on animals during these events. According to PETA’s submissions, buffaloes were subjected to physical abuse, including being slapped, jabbed with sticks, and pulled by their nose ropes to force them into fights. The organization also highlighted how the animals sustained serious injuries, including bleeding wounds on their necks, ears, and faces.

The case further shed light on the plight of bulbul birds, which are protected under India’s wildlife laws. PETA’s investigation revealed that bulbul birds were caught, drugged, and starved to provoke aggression. It was alleged that the birds were intoxicated with harmful substances, making them more aggressive during fights. PETA also argued that most of the fights occurred outside the dates specified in the SOP, making them unlawful even under the state’s guidelines.

Impact and Reactions

The High Court’s ruling has been lauded by animal rights activists as a crucial step toward enforcing animal welfare laws. Senior advocate Diganta Das, who led PETA India’s legal team, welcomed the judgment, calling it “a critical step in upholding animal rights and ensuring compliance with national laws.”

The court’s verdict has set a strong precedent against animal cruelty and reinforced the sanctity of wildlife protection laws in India. The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for animal welfare, especially in regions where cultural practices involve the use of animals in traditional festivities.

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