Following cockfight events held during Sankranthi, the High Court directed district collectors to act strictly as per earlier court orders. The directions focus on enforcing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act across affected regions.
The court specifically instructed collectors of East and West Godavari, Krishna, and Guntur districts to remain vigilant. It clarified that immediate action must be taken as soon as information about cockfighting arenas is received by the authorities.
The bench stated that Section 144 should be imposed wherever required to prevent such activities. It also ordered the seizure of cockfighting equipment and the confiscation of money involved in gambling at these venues.
Police were given full liberty to act against violations of the court guidelines. High Court Justice Venkata Jyothirmayi issued these directions while reiterating the seriousness of enforcing existing laws.
Fourteen petitions were filed seeking a complete halt to cockfighting during Sankranthi. The petitions highlighted cruelty to animals caused by attaching knives to roosters and the rise of illegal liquor sales, gambling, and other unlawful activities.
Petitioners argued that despite a previous High Court bench ruling, authorities were not implementing the ban effectively. They claimed that the illegal events continued openly under the pretext of tradition.
Government pleader A. Jayanthi, appearing for the Home Department, submitted that police were creating public awareness against illegal activities. The court, after hearing both sides, reaffirmed earlier orders and directed strict enforcement by collectors and SPs.
Every year, similar orders are issued, yet cockfights and gambling continue unchecked during Sankranthi. In several locations, departments reportedly remain passive spectators to these activities.
Newspaper reports have highlighted large scale preparations for cockfights this year. According to a report in Eenadu, the number of cockfighting arenas has increased sharply compared to previous years.
The report states that nearly 450 arenas are being prepared in the undivided West Godavari district alone. A 14 km stretch between Bhimavaram and Tadepalligudem reportedly hosts over 18 large arenas with extensive facilities.
Real estate layouts and orchards near main roads are being converted into venues. Setting up these arenas has reportedly become a matter of prestige for public representatives in the region.
Whether the renewed court orders will make any real impact this time remains to be seen.
