Gauhati High Court Bans Buffalo Fights in Assam, Orders Strict Action

The Gauhati High Court has imposed a complete ban on buffalo fights in Assam and has directed that strict action be taken against the organizers. This decision has been taken to prevent animal cruelty and ensure compliance with the law.

Post Published By: Karan Sharma

Updated : 21 April 2026, 7:07 PM IST

HC Cracks Down on Buffalo Fights (Image Source: Dynamite News)

Guwahati: In a significant ruling, the Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to ensure that buffalo fights (Moh Juj) are not permitted anywhere within the state. The Court explicitly stated that such events must be immediately halted and that strict legal action be taken against those who violate these regulations.

Why was the ban imposed?

This order follows a petition filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. The organization presented evidence before the court demonstrating extreme cruelty inflicted upon the buffaloes.

Videos and photographs depicted the animals being beaten with sticks, dragged by ropes, and forcibly made to fight—actions that resulted in severe injuries.

What does the law say?

The court affirmed that buffalo fighting is completely illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Furthermore, the Court cited the landmark Supreme Court judgment in the case of Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja, which had previously prohibited events involving cruelty to animals.

Previous revocation of SOP

In December 2024, the High Court had also struck down a standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the state government, which had temporarily permitted buffalo and bulbul fights. The Court had declared this SOP to be contrary to the law.

Events continued despite orders.

Despite the court's directives, buffalo fights were organized in several districts during January of this year. Taking a stern view of this, the Court has now imposed a complete ban on such events.

PETA's Statement

According to PETA India, buffaloes are sensitive animals with a gentle temperament. Subjecting them to such pain and terror for the sake of entertainment should not be deemed acceptable in any civilized society.

This ruling by the High Court is being hailed as a major step forward in the fight against animal cruelty. It now remains to be seen how strictly the administration enforces this order and whether it succeeds in completely putting an end to such events.