Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Dec 3: In support of the ban on the traditional Kambala sport, the district administrations of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have submitted that buffaloes are not anatomically structured to run.

The submission comes in the form of statement of objections filed in the Karnataka high court in the case of ban on Kambala race.

The statement also says that sticks are used to beat the animal to run the traditional race. The crowd gathered to watch the race also shouts during the occasion. These fear factors only prompt the animal to run which amounts to violence. But anatomically, buffaloes are not designed to run, they contended.

The statement quotes the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and also the Supreme Court order in the Jallikattu case and says that Kambala goes against the act and order.

The administration said that the order about ban was issued after an email was received from deputy director of Animal Welfare Board in Udupi. The direction was binding as it was issued under the legislation enacted by the parliament.

Kambala committees of both the districts have challenged the order and endorsement dated November 14 and November 21 declining permission to hold Kambala race.

Justice S Abdul Nazeer who is hearing the case ordered notices to Animal Welfare Board of India and the Union government of India seeking their views on the issue and adjourned the case to December 8.

It should be remembered that after the ban was imposed, some modified Kambalas have been held in the districts to fulfill vows. Protests were also held demanding lifting of the ban.