Guwahati: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA) has approached the Gauhati High Court with fresh evidence alleging widespread cruelty in illegal buffalo fights held across parts of Assam during the recent Magh Bihu festivities.

The matter is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, with the animal rights organisation seeking urgent intervention against the events, locally known as Moh Juj, and action against those involved.

PETA India has also urged the court to ensure strict enforcement of its earlier orders prohibiting such practices.

According to the organisation, documentation submitted before the court includes photographs and videos recorded at events in Morigaon and Nagaon districts this year.

The material allegedly shows buffaloes with severe injuries, being beaten with sticks and forced into fights using nose ropes.

The footage also captures an instance of a person being attacked by a fleeing animal during one such event.

In December 2024, the Gauhati High Court had struck down a state government Standard Operating Procedure issued on December 27, 2023, which permitted buffalo and bulbul bird fights during a limited period in January.

The court held that the SOP violated the Supreme Court's 2014 ruling in Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja, which banned animal-based spectacles involving inherent cruelty.

Despite these directives, PETA India has alleged that multiple buffalo fights were organised earlier this year.

The organisation said it had submitted prior complaints and representations to district administrations and police authorities, warning of potential violations and contempt of court.

It further stated that only two FIRs were registered-in Sivasagar and Nagaon-under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

However, no cases were registered for several other reported events in areas including Ahatguri, Gormori Gaon, Mikirbheta, Roha, Majrahola Dal Pathar and Dibrugarh.