The Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected the plea to organize bull racing during the customary festival 'Urusa' in Renata village, Kurnool District, stating that it would be violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act. The bench of Justice B.S. Bhanumathi said that the proposed bull race falls within the scope of sections 11(1)(a) of the PCA and is also violative of Section 3 of the Act.

"So, what is prohibited under law cannot be permitted," said the court.

A writ petition was filed challenging the decision of the authorities who denied permission to organize 'banda laagudu poteelu' (bull race), 'pouranika natakam' (mythological play), and the use of loudspeakers on 11 April in Remata village, Kurnool District.

The petition stated that the Urusu was being organized in the village since time immemorial, in the memory of Sri Sri Sri Gokaramayya Swami, during the month of April. Along with the Urusu, it has been a tradition to organize competitions involving farmers, the court was told.

The petitioner further submitted that "in the objection raised by the police, no objection was raised with regard pain to animals as per Section 11 (1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, but now such contention is being raised."

Perusing Section 3 and Section 11(1)(a)(m) and (n) of the PCA, the court held that the bull race would fall under the provision of Section 11(1)(a), which prohibits treating animals with cruelty.

It is also violative of Section 3, which mandates that every person having the care or charge of any animal must take all reasonable measures to ensure the well-being of such animal and prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering upon it, the court said.

However, the court allowed the mythological play with the condition that it would be the responsibility of everyone associated with it, either in conducting or participating, to maintain peace in holding the play and not to cause any law and order problem.

Case Title: Kappa Pedda Venkanna v. State of Andhra Pradesh