Relevance: GS-2 (Governance – Animal Welfare) • Source: The Hindu, PETA India
The Assam Assembly has passed amendments to permit festive buffalo fights (Moh-Juj) under regulated conditions. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has criticised the move, calling it a violation of animal-welfare norms and Supreme Court principles.
The Amendments & Key Concerns
| Amendment / Provision | Concern Raised |
|---|---|
| Allows traditional buffalo fights during festivals | Risk of cruelty; goes against spirit of Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja (2014) judgment |
| Requires veterinary supervision & safety rules | PETA says injuries and stress are unavoidable in forced combat |
| Exemption from certain cruelty provisions for “tradition” | May create precedent for cultural exceptions to animal-rights laws |
| State to frame guidelines | Enforcement challenges in rural areas and crowd-led events |
About PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
- A global animal-rights organisation founded in 1980 (India chapter: 2000).
- Works on animal cruelty prevention, awareness campaigns, and legal interventions.
- Often involved in cases related to performing animals, wildlife trade, and festival-related cruelty.
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. The Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment in A. Nagaraja case primarily dealt with:
A) Wildlife corridors
B) Cruelty in animal sports
C) Forest rights of tribes
D) Zoo regulation
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