The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to ensure that no buffalo fights, locally known as moh juj, are held anywhere in the state, ordering strict penal action against organisers until further orders.
The interim order was passed by Justice Anjan Moni Kalita while hearing a writ petition filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which highlighted alleged instances of such fights being conducted across several districts in January this year.
The High Court observed that buffalo fights cannot be permitted under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and said organising
such events would violate binding judicial precedents. It directed the state’s Home and Political Department to ensure enforcement of the ban and take action against any violations.
Also read: Assam to introduce law legalising buffalo fights
PETA India told the court it had submitted “disturbing evidence” of cruelty, including photographs and videos. The organisation alleged that buffaloes were beaten with sticks, dragged by nose ropes and forced into violent encounters, often resulting in severe injuries.
The petition also cited an incident in which a person was reportedly injured during one such event. The animal rights body referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja, which banned animal performances involving inherent cruelty. The High Court noted that permitting buffalo fights would be inconsistent with this ruling.
In December 2024, the High Court had quashed a state government Standard Operating Procedure that allowed buffalo and bulbul bird fights for a limited period, ruling it contrary to the Supreme Court’s directions.
Welcoming the latest order, PETA India said public spectacles involving cruelty to animals have no place in contemporary society. The matter is expected to come up for further hearing at a later date, with the interim ban remaining in force.
Follow us
