In response to PETA India's request for interim relief regarding the traditional buffalo fight competition permitted by the Assam government this year, the Gauhati High Court has instructed the government to cease any additional buffalo fights in the state of Assam.

The animal welfare organization's petitions highlight multiple infractions of central laws during the organization of these events. PETA India submitted investigations into the fights as evidence, revealing instances where frightened and severely injured buffaloes were subjected to beatings to coerce them into participating in the fights.

In the past month, during the celebration of Magh Bihu, the Assam government reintroduced the buffalo and bulbul (songbird) fights, resurrecting a longstanding tradition in the state after a nine-year pause. This decision to revive the practice comes in defiance of a previous ban imposed by the Gauhati High Court, which responded to pleas highlighting the cruelty inflicted upon both birds and animals during such events.

Following the Assam government's decision to permit buffalo fights, PETA India submitted a petition to the Gauhati High Court, advocating for the prohibition of such events once again.

An inquiry into a buffalo fight conducted in Ahatguri, Morigaon district of Assam, on January 16th exposed instances where owners resorted to slapping, pushing, and shoving the buffaloes. Additionally, they struck the animals with wooden sticks as well as pulled them by their nose ropes, all in an effort to compel the buffaloes to engage in combat with each other.

The buffaloes engaged in combat, locking horns and sustaining bloody wounds to their necks, ears, faces, and foreheads. Many of them ended up with injuries all over their bodies.