Mangaluru, Nov 23: The Karnataka high court once again halted the performing of Kamabala, the buffalo race, in coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, stating that there's no justifiable exemption in conducting Kambala as buffaloes are not meant for racing. It also said that tradition cannot overtake the law.

"The animal rights are protected under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. All animals are not anatomically designed to be performing animals. Unavoidable activities causing pain and suffering to animals must be avoided. Buffaloes could be utilized for farming, and we don't see any justifiable exemption in conducting Kambala, as these animals are not meant for racing," the court said.
The bench also asked the respondents to file objections, if any, in four weeks.
Earlier, advocate general Madhusudan R Naik said the state government had issued an order on December 17, 2015, permitting holding of Kambala with certain conditions, but it was withdrawn later. The government is not encouraging the activity and if the court permits, it has no objection to permit the event, if it falls within the parameters of the Supreme Court guidelines, he added.
Senior counsel BV Acharya and others, appearing on behalf of Kambala organizers, argued that the traditional buffalo race has been continuing for the past 700 years, and has become a part and parcel of the culture of farmers in the coastal region. Buffaloes are specially reared, maintained and trained for the race, they claimed.
According to PETA, the government's order on December 17, 2015 is contrary to the 2014 Supreme Court verdict stating such events are inherently cruel, and violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960.



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