SHILLONG, Feb 13: Former Union Minister and prominent animal rights activist, Maneka Gandhi, had raised alarms over an illegal bullfighting event that took place in Smit, East Khasi Hills, on January 10, 2025. The controversial incident, which occurred during a local festival, drew widespread condemnation for its violation of animal rights laws.
Reports of unlawful activities, including bullfighting, illegal betting, were reported.
Expressing her concerns about the event, Maneka Gandhi had then reached out to Meghalaya’s Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang, urging him to take stringent action to prevent such incidents in the future.
As a direct result, District Magistrate RM Kurbah issued an immediate ban on bullfighting and other animal fights across the district.
The prohibition order cited violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Supreme Court’s 2014 ruling that explicitly bans the use of bulls for entertainment purposes, including bullfighting. “It has been brought to the notice of the Undersigned that there is rampant holding of bull fights/animal fights, especially during fetes and other festivals in some areas of East Khasi Hills District,” the order stated. The ban applies to the entire district and will remain in effect until further notice.
The statement warned that violators would face legal consequences under existing laws.