Published On : Wed, Aug 16th, 2017

Bombay HC stays bullock cart races in Maharashtra until rules are framed

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Mumbai
: The Bombay High Court once again prohibited state government from permitting Bullock cart races in Maharashtra until rules are framed for these races.

The ban on bullock cart races was enforced in the state in 2014 after a Supreme Court order to this effect. There had been a demand for lifting the ban from across rural Maharashtra, where it is perceived as part of the tradition and culture.

The legislation lays some few conditions, such as mandatory permission of the district collector to organise a race, and emphasises that individuals or groups would not cause any pain or suffering to the animals.

Bullock-cart racing has been a popular tradition in some parts of Maharashtra known as ‘Bailgada Sharyat’ or ‘Shankarpat’ in various parts of the state.