The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India challenging the organisation of the traditional buffalo racing sport Kambala in parts of Karnataka beyond the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The court questioned why the event should be confined to only a particular region if the state wishes to showcase the cultural tradition across other areas.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a plea challenging a November 14 order of the Karnataka High Court. The high court had refused to restrain the state government from notifying venues outside Dakshina Kannada and Udupi for hosting Kambala races.
During the hearing, the bench indicated that restricting the sport to only two districts may not be justified if the state intends to promote the tradition elsewhere. Justice Mehta remarked that if the state wants to showcase its culture in different parts of Karnataka, there is no apparent reason to limit the event to a specific region. He added that people in other areas of the state should also have the opportunity to become familiar with the tradition.
Appearing for PETA India, counsel argued that in an earlier affidavit filed before the apex court in proceedings concerning Kambala, the Karnataka government had described the sport as a tradition specific to the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The counsel contended that the event had no cultural connection with Bengaluru, where it is now proposed to be held at a ground in the state capital.
The bench, however, declined to interfere with the Karnataka High Court’s order and dismissed the petition. While doing so, the court also remarked that it may put certain questions to PETA in future proceedings.
Kambala is a traditional buffalo racing event conducted in Karnataka between November and March. The sport involves a pair of buffaloes tied to a plough, guided by a participant who runs behind them as they race through parallel muddy tracks, with the fastest team declared the winner.
The issue of traditional animal sports had previously reached the Supreme Court. In May 2023, a five-judge Constitution Bench upheld the validity of amendment laws passed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka that permit sports such as Jallikattu, bullock-cart races, and Kambala. The court held that these legislative amendments were valid.
Jallikattu, also known as Eruthazhuvuthal, is a traditional bull-taming sport played in Tamil Nadu during the Pongal harvest festival.
