SC dismisses plea against holding of 'Kambala' outside two districts of Karnataka
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea against the holding of buffalo racing sport 'Kambala' in parts of Karnataka other than Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, asking why it be restricted only to a particular area of the state.
The Kambala race, held in Karnataka between November and March, involves a pair of buffaloes tied to a plough and controlled by one person. They are made to run in parallel muddy tracks in a competition where the fastest team wins.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a plea filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, challenging a November 14 order of the Karnataka High Court.
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The high court had rejected the prayer to restrain the state from notifying any place outside the two districts of Dakshin Kannada and Udupi for holding Kambala.
"If they want to showcase the culture in different parts of the state, what is wrong? Let people in other parts of the state also familiarise with the culture. Why restrict it to a particular area only?" Justice Mehta observed during the hearing.
The counsel appearing for PETA India referred to an affidavit filed earlier by the state in the apex court which was then dealing with pleas concerning Kambala.
The counsel said in that affidavit, the state had submitted that it was a sport that was traditional in two coastal districts of Karnataka.
"It has nothing to do with the tradition and the culture in Bengaluru," the counsel argued, adding that now, the event is to be held at a ground in the state capital.
While dismissing the plea, the bench said, "One of these days, we may put some questions to PETA also".
In May 2023, a five-judge constitution bench of the apex court upheld the validity of amendment acts of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka which allowed bull-taming sport 'Jallikattu', bullock-cart races and buffalo racing sport Kambala, saying they were "valid legislations".
Jallikattu, also known 'Eruthazhuvuthal', is a sport played in Tamil Nadu as part of the Pongal harvest festival.
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Eight women labourers killed as truck hits tempo on Nagpur-Mumbai expressway
Jalna/Mumbai (PTI): Eight women labourers were killed, and three others were injured after a speeding truck rammed into a tempo on the Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway in Jalna district of Maharashtra on Wednesday evening, police said.
The incident occurred when a group of women was returning home after completing cleaning work on the expressway.
"A total of 11 persons, including the driver, were sitting in the tempo. As the vehicle was about to start, a speeding truck headed towards Mumbai rammed into it from behind at Kadvanchi village," a police official said, adding that seven women died on the spot and another succumbed in the Jalna government hospital.
The tempo was badly mangled, and the bodies were reportedly strewn across the road.
The deceased have been identified as Alkabai Admane (45), Laxmibai Madan (35), Meena Admane (45), Kanchan Admane (50), Tarabai Choudhari (60), Kadubai Madan (55), and Suman Admane (70), all residents of Jalna tehsil.
The identity of the eighth deceased is yet to be confirmed.
Three people are undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Police have arrested the truck driver and registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.
Expressing grief, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the death of eight people is extremely unfortunate, and announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.
Fadnavis paid heartfelt tributes to the deceased and expressed solidarity with their families.
He said in a statement the injured have been immediately admitted to hospitals and the local administration is coordinating relief efforts.
The district collector and the superintendent of police are present at the spot, overseeing the situation, the chief minister added.
Environment Minister and Jalna District Guardian Minister Pankaja Munde has expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
In a condolence message, Munde extended her sympathies to the families of the deceased.
