HC directs WG Collector to ban cockfight during Sankranti

Hyderabad, Dec 30, 2014: The High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad directed the West Godavari district Collector in AP to take all necessary steps to ensure that no one will indulge in cockfight sport during the coming Sankranti festival. Giving orders on a Public Interest Litigation ( PIL ) petition filed by one Narahari Jagadeesh Kumar of West Godavari district seeking ban on the cockfight sport with betting during the Sankranti festival, the court has expressed its dismay over the apathy of the authorities in trying to prevent the cockfights in the area. The petitioner has argued that the sport must be prevented during the festivities spanning from Jan 10 to 16 as it is against the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act and also against AP Gaming Act. The counsel for the petitioner argued that anti-social elements are indulging in betting to the tune of crores of rupees and liquor is also sold during the sport without any permission. The counsel said authorities are keeping silent over the issue and sought directions from the court to officials concerned to ensure that cockfight sport will not take place. Meanwhile, organisers of the cockfight sport said it is their age old tradition to indulge in the sport and they will go ahead with the practice irrespective of the High Court orders.