Buffalo Fights during Magh Bihu and Legal Ban

Traditional buffalo fights were organised during Magh Bihu celebrations at Ahatguri in Morigaon and Deobali in Raha, despite an existing legal ban. The events revived debate over the balance between cultural practices and animal welfare.

In 2014, the Supreme Court of India, in the Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja case, banned all animal races and fights across the country. The judgment held that such practices violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which imposes a duty on citizens to show compassion to living creatures. In 2015, the Animal Welfare Board of India formally asked the Assam government to stop animal and bird fights associated with Bihu celebrations. 

Key points:

• Buffalo fights were organised in Morigaon district of Assam during the Magh Bihu festival.
• The events reportedly took place despite the Supreme Court ban on animal fights in India.
• Buffalo fighting is a traditional Bihu-era practice in several parts of Assam.
• The fights attracted large crowds of spectators during the celebrations.
• The Supreme Court and animal welfare groups have opposed such events due to concerns about animal cruelty.
• The incident has again raised debate between cultural traditions and animal welfare laws.