This Sankranthi is going to be less festive for rural Andhra, where cockfights are a regular feature of the harvest festival. With the High Court banning cockfights in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, there is a lot of disappointment, especially in Godavari districts, known for this traditional sport.
The High Court at Hyderabad on Monday upheld the ban on cockfighting and directed the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments to ensure no cockfights take place during the Sankranti festival. The court extended the ban on cockfights wholly and not just during the Sankranti festival in January.
The orders were passed on petitions filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India, Humane Society International/India, People for Animals and other organisations. NG Jayasimha, member of the Animal Welfare Board of India who is also the Managing Director of Humane Society International/India, has welcomed the court order. “We are delighted that the Hyderabad High Court has upheld the ban on cockfighting. Cockfighting is not only cruel to animals but also encourages gambling and child labour,” he said in a statement.
Every year, the police try to enforce the ban on cockfights, but they are prevailed upon by the local politicians to allow the villagers to go ahead with the pastime. With the latest court ruling, it would be a tough time for local leaders to please the cockfight lovers.
