The Assam government has taken a significant step toward preserving traditional cultural practices by introducing legislation that would exempt buffalo fights from animal cruelty regulations. On Tuesday, the state government tabled the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2025, specifically designed to protect the centuries-old practice of buffalo fights from being classified as animal cruelty under existing laws.
Cultural Preservation Through Legislative Action
This landmark move follows a similar exemption granted to Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, recognizing the importance of traditional animal sports in regional cultural preservation. The amendment targets the traditional event known as "Buffalo fight" or "Moh-Juj", which holds deep cultural significance among communities in Assam.
According to the official statement of objects and reasons accompanying the amendment bill, the legislation acknowledges the vital role buffalo fights play in preserving and promoting the state's unique traditions. The document emphasizes that these events contribute significantly to ensuring the survival and continuance of native breeds of buffalo, adding an ecological dimension to the cultural justification.
Legal Journey of Buffalo Fights in Assam
The historical practice of buffalo fights faced a major setback in 2014 when the Supreme Court issued a judgment banning all animal fights across the country. This decision brought the traditional Moh-Juj celebrations to an abrupt halt during the important Magh Bihu festivities.
In response to public sentiment and cultural considerations, the state government later attempted to revive the practice by issuing a notification that permitted buffalo fights with specific guidelines. However, this effort faced legal challenges when the Gauhati High Court in December 2024 set aside and quashed the state government's notification, creating the necessity for the current legislative amendment.
The Path Forward for Traditional Practices
The newly proposed amendments are specifically designed to create legal provisions that would allow the hosting and observance of traditional events like Buffalo fight or Moh-Juj during Magh Bihu celebrations or on other officially notified days. This strategic approach ensures that the cultural practice can continue within a regulated framework.
The original Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (Central Act 59 of 1960) was enacted with the primary objective of preventing unnecessary suffering and cruelty toward animals. The Assam amendment represents a carefully considered exception to this central legislation, balancing animal welfare concerns with the preservation of important cultural traditions that have defined communities for generations.
This legislative development marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue between traditional cultural practices and contemporary legal frameworks, potentially setting a precedent for how other states might approach similar cultural preservation challenges.
