Following the Supreme Court order for the status quo on cock fights in Andhra Pradesh, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Monday clarified that the ban is still in force and any violation will amount to contempt of court.
The AWBI, which comes under the union environment and forests ministry has requested Andhra Pradesh Police to ensure that no cock fights are held in the state during Sankranti festival.
In a letter to the state police chief, the board urged to issue necessary directions to the superintendents of police in all the districts to uphold the law and directions of the Supreme Court.
The board, in its letter, said the Supreme Court ordered status quo while setting aside Andhra Pradesh High Court order dated Dec 29, 2014 and directing the high court to re-hear and pass detailed order in the light of landmark apex court judgment dated May 7, 2014 in the matter of AWBI Vs A. Nagarajana and others.
The board said Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 makes it a punishable offence if any person solely with a view to provide entertainment incites any animal to fight or bait any other animal.