After SC ban on animal shows, Sadananda Gowda seeks room for traditions

BENGALURU: Union Law Minister DV Sadananda Gowda has suggested that allowances need to be made for cultural traditions when it comes to practices that might be regarded as cruelty to animals by some.

His remarks come as the SC has upheld a ban on racing or fighting among animals for this reason, thus bringing to an ostensible halt contests that have traditionally marked the harvest festivals in the southern states, barring Kerala, known as Sankranti or Pongal, which is being observed on Thursday. The issue is a divisive one.

Women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi, a renowned animal rights activist, has been consistently opposing such practices. She, however, declined to comment on the issue when contacted by ET. The law minister is of the opinion that there should be leniency.

“We should keep in mind the cultural practices of the regions and not ban them totally. The animals are treated like children before the races. Even in kodi pandyam, we can take measures to ensure that the animals are not treated cruelly,” he contended.

Traditionally, Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal with jallikattu, where bulls are made to race against each other. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana go for kodi pandyam or cock fighting. In Karnataka, from November to March, the coastal region sees the kambala, or buffalo racing through slush fields.