Guwahati: The Assam government on Tuesday proposed a major amendment to animal welfare laws by seeking to exempt the state’s traditional buffalo fight, known as ‘Moh Juj’, from the scope of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 — similar to how Tamil Nadu secured an exemption for Jallikattu.
Introducing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill, 2025 in the Assam Assembly, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Krishnendu Paul said the existing central act already acknowledges the need for exemptions in specific cultural contexts. He argued that Moh Juj is deeply rooted in Assamese heritage.
Why Assam Wants the Exemption
In the Statement of Objects and Reasons, Paul highlighted that buffalo fights have historically contributed to preserving local tradition, strengthening community identity, and maintaining native buffalo breeds.
He said, “It has been decided to exempt the conduct of ‘Buffalo fight’ or ‘Moh Juj’ in the state from the purview of ‘cruelty’ under the existing provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.”
The minister added that the proposed change aligns Assam with other states that have secured cultural exemptions, including Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Magh Bihu Events Could Resume Legally
Paul stated that the amendments are necessary to legally allow traditional events such as buffalo fights during Magh Bihu, or on dates notified by the state government.
Court Ruling Forced Assam to Revisit the Rule
In December 2023, the Gauhati High Court struck down an SOP issued by the Assam government that permitted buffalo fights and Bulbul bird fights during January’s Magh Bihu festivities. The court ruled that the guidelines violated a 2014 Supreme Court judgment prohibiting such events due to animal cruelty concerns.
Bird and Buffalo Fights Had Recently Returned
After nearly nine years of prohibition, the state reinstated Bulbul bird fights on January 15 last year at the historic Hayagriva Madhav Temple in Hajo, following new government guidelines prioritizing animal safety. These rules banned intoxicants, sharp weapons, and any practices that could harm the birds or animals.
Buffalo fights also resumed in parts of Assam — particularly in Morigaon, Sivasagar, and Upper Assam districts. The Ahatguri region in Morigaon is especially renowned for its large-scale buffalo fight celebrations during Magh Bihu.
With the new bill, the state government aims to secure clear legal backing for these culturally significant events.