The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025, paving the way for the resumption of bullock cart racing across the state, reported The Print. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized that the move is aimed at reviving Punjab’s rural heritage—not promoting animal cruelty.
Revival with Regulation
Originally passed in 2019 by the Congress government and limited to the annual Kila Raipur Rural Games in Ludhiana, the bill received Presidential assent in September 2024. The new amendment expands its scope, enabling regulated bullock cart races across Punjab. It includes provisions for safety norms, veterinary supervision, documentation, and penalties for mistreatment.
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian cited similar laws in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to justify the move, and highlighted the cultural legacy of events like the Kila Raipur races, which began in 1933. He also pointed out that encouraging such traditional sports could help protect indigenous cattle breeds and preserve rural identity.
“It’s Culture, Not Cruelty”
CM Bhagwant Mann clarified that the legislation was not about exploitation but about preserving tradition. He said that bullocks used in these races are cared for like family, decorated, well-fed, and kept in good health. He compared the move to Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu, which was reinstated after a ban, and said that Punjab too must stand for its cultural ethos.
He assured that the new law comes with stringent regulations including a ban on whips, mandatory veterinary checks, proper registration of participating animals, and strict penalties for any form of abuse.
Animal Rights Groups Oppose
Despite government assurances, animal welfare activists have strongly opposed the bill. Ambika Shukla, trustee of People for Animals, termed the decision “savagery,” arguing that animals cannot voluntarily participate in sport and that such races inherently involve cruelty, stress, and sometimes fatal injuries.
She stressed that using animals for entertainment under the guise of tradition is ethically unacceptable and urged the government to focus on modern, non-violent forms of rural sport. Activists have hinted at exploring legal action to challenge the amendment.
Other Bills Passed in the Assembly
The Assembly session also saw the passage of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to improve the ease of doing business in the state. Additionally, the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed to strengthen welfare measures for workers across sectors.
The government also gave approval for the establishment of two new private universities—Rayat Bahra University in Hoshiarpur and CGC University in Mohali—as part of its broader focus on expanding higher education infrastructure.
What Lies Ahead
The bill now awaits the Governor’s assent. Since the operational rules under the 2024 Act have already been cleared by the Cabinet, the Assembly’s amendment provides a complete legal framework for organizing bullock cart races legally and under supervision across Punjab.
While the government sees it as a means to boost rural identity and local breeds, critics argue that legalizing such events could normalize violence against animals and weaken broader animal protection efforts.
The Larger Picture
This legislation follows a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that upheld state-level amendments reinstating traditional sports like Jallikattu, Kambala, and bullock cart racing. The court had overturned earlier restrictions imposed under the national Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
In Punjab, the bill represents a significant moment—where culture, animal rights, and legislative governance intersect in a debate that is as much about identity as it is about ethics.
Photo Credit: The Print
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