Bullocks can run free as SC lifts ban
Maharashtra government on Monday said it has lifted the ban on bullock-cart races, but the organisers would have to adhere to certain rules.
The decision was taken after the Supreme Court last month revoked the ban imposed on such races in the state, an official release in Mumbai said.
As per the new rules, there should be a separate track for every cart. The drivers can swirl the whip in the air and hit it
on the ground, but not the bull. Also, a veterinary doctor must inspect all the participating bulls beforehand to ensure their fitness and check if they are drugged. Action would be taken if the animals are subjected to cruelty during the race, it added.
The Supreme Court, in an interim order on February 15 has lifted the ban imposed on bullock cart races. But it imposed certain conditions to be adhered to by the event organisers.
A division bench of Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Justice Dipak Mishra overturned the Bombay high court order which had upheld the state ban.
One Shivajirao Patil and Khed Taluka Chalak Malak Sangh had filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court challenging the HC order. The petitioners had contended that if no tickets were being sold, the races didn’t fall under the purview of the notification issued by the Centre and state.
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