Published Mar 10, 2026 | 3:56 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 10, 2026 | 3:56 PM
Kambala is a traditional sport in Karnataka and other parts of the west coast. (Wikimedia Commons)
Synopsis: Questioning why the sport should be restricted only to a particular area of the state, Justice Sandeep Mehta said, “If they want to showcase the culture in different parts of the state, what is wrong? Let people in other parts of the state also familiarise with the culture. Why restrict it to a particular area only?”
The Supreme Court on Tuesday, 10 March, dismissed a plea by PETA India against the holding of buffalo racing sport ‘Kambala’ in parts of Karnataka other than Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
PETA had challenged a 14 November order of the Karnataka High Court that rejected their prayer to restrain the state from notifying any place outside the two districts of Dakshin Kannada and Udupi for holding Kambala.
Questioning why the sport should be restricted only to a particular area of the state, Justice Sandeep Mehta said, “If they want to showcase the culture in different parts of the state, what is wrong? Let people in other parts of the state also familiarise with the culture. Why restrict it to a particular area only?”
The counsel appearing for PETA referred to an affidavit filed earlier by the state in the apex court which was then dealing with pleas concerning Kambala. In the concerned affidavit, the state had submitted that it was a sport that was traditional in two coastal districts of Karnataka, the counsel argued.
“It has nothing to do with the tradition and the culture in Bengaluru,” the counsel argued, adding that now, the event is to be held at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru.
According to a press release, “PETA India’s SLP submits that the PCA Act 1960, as amended by Karnataka, only carves out a limited and conditional exemption for “Kambala” and “bull/bullock cart races” when they are “normally held as a part of tradition and culture”, a factual circumstance historically tied to select coastal districts. Races held in non-traditional cities such as Bengaluru or Shivamogga, therefore, remain prohibited under the PCA Act and in violation of the Supreme Court’s judgments in AWBI v Union of India (2023) and A. Nagaraja (2014). Meanwhile, PETA India’s earlier review petition filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in 2023 seeking reinstatement of a complete prohibition on Kambala and similar events remains pending.”
While dismissing the plea, the bench said, “One of these days, we may put some questions to PETA also”.
(With inputs from Anisha Reddy)
