Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 15: Dakshina Kannada district Kambala Samiti has moved an interim application in the state high court, seeking to lift restrictions imposed on organizing of Kambala, a popular folklore sport of coastal Karnataka. The application, it is learnt, will come up for hearing before a division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice, S K Mukherjee, and Justice R B Budihal.

"After the Supreme Court passed orders, the central government had appointed a committee of experts to examine whether animals were facing violence during 'Jallikattu' sport in Tamil Nadu. Likewise, the state government has formed a committee of experts headed by principal secretary of animal husbandry department on December 11 to conduct similar study relating to Kambala. Therefore, the restraint order against organizing of Kambala should be withdrawn," the Samiti has urged the high court.

The high court, which heard a public interest litigation filed by People for Ethical Treatment of animals on November 22, had passed an order against holding of Kambala till this litigation is decided. It also had said that the concerned should file objections if any within four weeks. The court had admitted that Kambala happens to be an ancient sport, but observed that law cannot be allowed to be broken in the name of tradition. The court also said that as per Animal Rights Protection Act of 1960, rights of animals have to be protected. It observed that animal welfare laws are meant to protect their species, and as far as possible, they should not be treated violently. It had also opined that as per law, buffaloes can be used for only agricultural work.