SC to examine plea challenging 'tonga' race ban in Rajasthan

The Supreme Court today sought the response of the Rajasthan government and the petitioner before state high court on a plea challenging the HC verdict banning 'tonga' race in the state on the ground that it amounted to "cruelty towards" horses and mares.
"Issue notice on the application for condonation of delay as well as on special leave petition (challenging the HC verdict).
"Liberty to file additional documents as prayed for is granted to learned counsel for the petitioner," a bench comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.
The bench was hearing the appeal filed by Kishan Lal Lohiya, a resident of Rajasthan, against the January 6, 2016 verdict of the Jodhpur bench of the high court.

Disposing of a PIL on the issue, the high court had passed a slew of directions.
"The Collector, Nagaur and any other functionaries of the State of Rajasthan shall not permit any organisation, institution, body or person to hold 'Tonga Race' in the State of Rajasthan including the district Nagaur," it had said.

"The State of Rajasthan is directed to take appropriate steps to see that the persons-in-charge of care of the animals, take reasonable measures to ensure the well being of the animals.
"It shall be ensured that horses are maintained, kept in good light and ventilation, sheds have enough space, their hygiene is taken care of, sufficient fodder and clean water is made available. Hoofs of the horses are clean with proper horses-shoe etc, the horses suffering from arthritis etc should not be forced to ply on the streets," the HC had said.

It had also asked Rajasthan to ensure the implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 in its letter and spirit.
The PIL was filed in the high court by Mahaveer Vishnoi, President of Legal Cell of 'Vishnoi Mahasabha Van Evam Vanya Jeev Raksha Samiti', seeking stopping of tonga race from village Mundiad to Kharnal and from Kharnal to Nagaur on the occasion of GaneshjiKa-Mela and Veer-Tejaji-Ka-Mela.