Gauhati High Court Bans Buffalo Fights in Assam, Orders Strict Action
Apr 22, 2026
The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to immediately halt buffalo fights, locally known as “Moh juj,” and take legal action against those organising such events.
The interim order was issued while hearing a writ petition filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, which alleged that illegal buffalo fights were conducted across several districts of the state in January this year.
In its directive, the court instructed the Home and Political Department to ensure strict enforcement of the ban and to initiate penal action against organisers if violations continue.
Observing that such practices involve cruelty to animals, the court stated that buffalo fights cannot be permitted under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. It further noted that allowing such events would go against established judicial precedents.
