Guwahati | The Assam Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed an amendment bill to exclude traditional buffalo fight from the ambit of an existing law to prevent cruelty to animals, similar to Jallikatu in Tamil Nadu.

During the passage of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2025, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Krishnendu Paul said the original law recognises the need to exempt certain traditional practices from its provisions.

He noted that traditional buffalo fight or 'Moh Juj' has played a significant role in preserving and promoting tradition and culture among the people as well as playing a vital role in the continuance of native breeds.

"It has been decided to exempt the conduct of 'Moh Juj' in the state from the purview of 'cruelty' under the existing provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960," Paul said.

He said it will be in line with the exemption of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, and bullock cart race in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

"The amendments are essential to bring such legislation which may allow hosting or observance of traditional events like the buffalo fight during Magh Bihu celebrations or on such days as may be notified," the minister said.

No party brought any amendment to the bill and the House passed it unanimously.

In December last year, the Gauhati High Court quashed an Assam government SOP of 2023 which had allowed buffalo and Bulbul bird fights during the Magh Bihu festivities in the month of January every year.

The court had further held that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was in violation of a Supreme Court judgment of May 2014.

On January 15 last year, traditional Bulbul bird fights were organised after a hiatus of around nine years following a new set of guidelines issued by the Assam government. It was earlier stopped due restrictions imposed by the judiciary.

Both the events resumed after the state Cabinet approved the SOP in December 2023. The SOP focussed on safety of the animals, including ban on use of any intoxicating drugs or sharp weapons to control the animals.

The Bulbul bird fight is famously held at Hayagriva Madhav temple in Hajo of Kamrup district on Magh Bihu day in mid-January, attracting hundreds of visitors.

Likewise, the buffalo fights take place at the same time in Morigaon, Sivasagar and some Upper Assam districts, but Ahatguri in Morigaon is the most celebrated.