The Karnataka government firmly defended the traditional sport of Kambala, a buffalo slush track race, before the Karnataka High Court on 23rd October, Wednesday. Based on the reports from Udayavani, the state’s Advocate General (AG), Shashi Kiran Shetty stated that Kambala is not confined to the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada but is an integral part of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. This defence came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an affiliate of the US-based PETA organization. Based on the reports from Live Law, PETA’s petition prompted the Karnataka High Court to order a stay on the Kambala event scheduled for October 26 in Bengaluru.
The PIL, which has sparked considerable debate across Karnataka, particularly in regional media such as Republic Kannada, seeks to halt a Kambala event scheduled for October 26 in Bengaluru. PETA’s petition argued that Kambala is predominantly a tradition specific to the coastal regions of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. It claimed that hosting the event elsewhere in the state is commercially motivated rather than a preservation of tradition.
Cultural heritage vs. animal cruelty debate
Advocate General Shetty countered PETA’s claims by emphasizing that Kambala transcends regional boundaries and can be considered a symbol of Karnataka’s broader cultural fabric. He likened the sport to horse racing, in which horses are transported across states for competition, and argued that Kambala could potentially be held across the country as part of the state’s heritage.
“The issue is not about whether Kambala should be restricted to a particular region, but whether it constitutes cruelty to animals,” Shetty told the division bench headed by Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind. The AG clarified that PETA’s claim about an upcoming Kambala event on October 26 in Bengaluru was incorrect, stating that the event had not yet received formal approval and is proposed for November. He assured the court that no permissions had been granted and that the authorities were still considering the matter.
PETA’s stand and legal concerns
PETA’s petition, which called for a stay on any Kambala event in Bengaluru, urged the enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and its 2017 amendments. It sought to restrict Kambala to its traditional rural roots in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. PETA argued that while the event has cultural significance in those areas, expanding it to urban centers like Bengaluru would commercialize the sport and potentially harm the buffaloes involved.
The PIL has sparked a wave of public discussions and media debates in Karnataka. Many local news channels, including Republic Kannada, featured widespread coverage of the controversy, questioning the legitimacy of an international NGO like PETA interfering in Bharatiya’s cultural practices. Prominent voices in the media argued that Kambala is not merely a sport but a cultural celebration deeply embedded in the agricultural traditions of Karnataka.
Several commentators pointed out that the buffaloes used in Kambala races are treated with care and respect. After the race, they are often well-fed, bathed, and given ample rest. Reporters from local outlets were seen urging PETA representatives to visit Udupi and Dakshina Kannada to witness the humane treatment of the buffaloes firsthand. There were also suggestions that PETA, being a US-based organisation, might not fully understand the intricacies of Bharatiya culture and traditions, with some questioning how a foreign body could oppose a heritage practice like Kambala.
A caller on one news program voiced a common sentiment: “Our buffaloes are treated like family. They’re not just racing animals; they are part of our farming life. How can an international NGO tell us how to handle our animals?”
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court scheduled the next hearing for November 5, 2024, and directed the state government to notify the court if permission for the event is granted. This would allow PETA to take further legal steps if necessary. The court’s decision is likely to have broader implications for cultural traditions involving animals in Karnataka and across Bharat.
As the debate over Kambala continues, it has raised important questions about the balance between cultural heritage and animal rights. The tension between tradition and modern ethical concerns is evident, but for many in Karnataka, Kambala remains a proud symbol of the state’s agrarian culture. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, not only for its implications on Kambala but also for its potential to set a precedent regarding the cultural practices of other states and communities.
There has been a growing perception that PETA often targets Hindu traditions involving animals. For instance, PETA has previously clashed with Bharatiya customs, including its ongoing legal battles concerning Kambala, the traditional buffalo race in Karnataka. Additionally, PETA has petitioned multiple times to relocate Lakshmi, the temple elephant in Puducherry, claiming animal welfare concerns. In 2021, PETA also faced backlash from Amul’s Vice Chairman, Valamji Humbal, who accused the organization of conspiring to undermine the Bharatiya dairy industry and requested the Prime Minister to ban PETA in the country.
However, criticism arises because of the perception that PETA is more outspoken against practices linked to Hindu traditions, like Kambala or temple elephants, while appearing to take a softer or less visible stance against issues like halal slaughter or beef consumption, which are more prevalent in Islamic communities.
