SC to hear plea seeking stay on AP HC order on cock fights

The Supreme Court today agreed to hear tomorrow a petition seeking stay on a recent order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court banning the traditional cock fight games during the Sankranti festival in West Godavari district of the state.
The petition filed by some people of the region including a social worker was mentioned before the bench headed by Chief Justice of India H L Dattu, which said the matter will be listed for hearing tomorrow.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court had in its order on a PIL on December 29 last directed the Superintendent of Police to take action against organising cock fights with betting, sale of liquor, gambling and subjecting animals and birds to cruelty during the Sankranti festival from January 10-16 in West Godavari district.

The High court had banned the games on the PIL, which had alleged that it was against the law safeguarding animals from torture.
Seeking stay on High Court order till hearing and final disposal of the plea, petitioners said that the Sankranti (pongal festival) is celebrated in all regions of Andhra Pradesh including in Krishna, West Godavari and East Godavari districts.