Meghalaya: Maneka Gandhi Raises Alarm Over Illegal Bullfighting, Authorities Impose Ban

SHILLONG: Former Union Minister and well-known animal rights campaigner Maneka Gandhi has raised serious objections against an illegal bullfighting match that was held in Smit, East Khasi Hills, on January 10, 2025.

The contentious event, organized as part of a local festival, outraged animal rights activists and legal professionals, as it blatantly contravened current animal welfare legislation. There are reports that the event was not only marked by bullfighting but also illegal gambling, which contributed to its illegal character.

Outraged at the incident, Gandhi acted at once by writing to Meghalaya's Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang. She called on the state government to take drastic steps to ensure that such incidents did not repeat themselves. Reacting to this, the government moved quickly in intervening, culminating in an important policy initiative to safeguard animal welfare.

As a direct reaction to the incident, District Magistrate RM Kurbah placed an instant ban on bullfights and other animal fights in the entire district.

The ban order invoked blatant contraventions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and also a Supreme Court judgment in 2014 prohibiting the use of bulls for entertainment, including bullfighting.

The order flagged the prevalence of such fights as a common occurrence during local festivals and fairs and stressed that there was an urgent need to enforce animal welfare laws more forcefully. The ban, which will be in place across the whole East Khasi Hills district, will stay until further notice. Officials issued warnings that failure to comply with the order would invite legal repercussions under the governing legislation.

Animal rights activists have praised the initiative, emphasizing enforcement in order to deter future atrocities on animals. This event has again brought into focus the issue of enforcing animal welfare laws in India.

Activists have called upon state governments to be on their guard against such illegal operations, ensuring that traditions and cultural festivals do not compromise animal rights. With increased monitoring and legal action, authorities hope to avoid such violations in the future.

ALSO WATCH:

ALSO WATCH: