Karnataka assembly has passed a bill legalising Kambala, the state's traditional buffalo race.
However, there is a clause by which the bill seeks to permit only those events in which 'unnecessary' pain and suffering is not caused to animals.
Considering the significant role played by the traditional sports events 'Kambala' and bulls race or bullock cart race in "preserving and promoting traditions and culture among the people in the state" and their "vital role" in ensuring survival and continuance of native breeds of cattle, the government has decided to exempt their conduct, the bill said.
Earlier in November 2016, the Karnataka High Court banned the sport through an interim order. The petition seeking the ban was filed by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The ban led to mass outrage forcing the state assembly to table the bill a few days back.
People, especially those in the coastal regions of Karnataka where the sport is very popular, had been demanding that legal obstacles be removed. The clamour grew louder after the successful protests to bring back Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu last month.
(With inputs from agencies)
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