Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Feb 21: Hopes of thousands of die hard fans of Kambala and owners of pairs of buffaloes, of beginning to organize the folk sport of coastal Karnataka, Kambala, on an early date after the sport was suspended in connection with concerns over violence to animals raised by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, were dashed when governor of Karnataka, Vajubhai Vala, showed reluctance to give his assent to the Kambala bill that was passed by both the houses of the state legislature. Instead, the governor has forwarded the bill for Presidential approval.

It is being said that the governor refused to give the bill the status of law by signing it as he feels that the ammendment brought to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 of the central government by the state needs the approval of the President. Both the secretariat of the chief minister and law minister have got information from the office of the governor about this aspect.

Governor

The state government had passed the bill with a view to encourage traditions and ancient cultures, apart from giving impetus to local culture and indigenous species of bullocks and also to allow popular sports of north Karnataka, buffalo race and bullock cart race.

When Tamil Nadu government brought out ordinance to pave way for holding Jallikattu in that state and also when it passed ammendment to the act, Presidential assent had been obtained. Therefore, the state governor had sought legal advice about the propriety of giving his stamp of approval to Kambala bill. As legal experts gave the opinion that it would be more appropriate for the President to give assent to the bill, the governor has forwarded this ammendment bill to the President, sources stated.