Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 8: The Supreme Court (SC) of India issued notice to Karnataka government as well as the central government seeking their response on the petition filed by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). PETA has questioned the legality of the second amendment to Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act passed by Karnataka government, extending permission to hold Kambala folk sport.

The bench also transferred the case to a five-member constitution bench of the SC. The constitution bench that is already conducting hearing in the appeal filed by PETA against Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu will take up this petition too. PETA has claimed that giving permission for holding Kambala is tantamount to clear violation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The bench of the SC chaired by Justice Madan Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta took up the PETA petition on Friday December 7. In February last, the court had bunched this petition along with two other petitions questioning the legality of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart race in Maharashtra filed by PETA.

The Dakshina Kannada district Kambala Samiti has already filed application seeking to be made a party to the suit. This request has not yet been upheld by SC. The petition is likely to be taken up on February 5 when Jallikattu issue will also be taken up for consideration. The court also has issued notice to Animal Welfare Board of India