Judges allow cockfights in violation of Indian law

From ANIMAL PEOPLE,  January/February 2011:

CHENNAI–Disregarding national law prohibiting animal fights, Madras High Court Justices N. Paul Vasanthkumar and R. Subbiah on January 12,  2011 directed public officials to allow cockfights in Santhapadi and Modakoor Melbegam villages as part of religious rites commemorating Pongal.

“That animal fights are banned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was probably not brought to the attention of the learned judge.  This verdict is being appealed,”  Animal Welfare Board of India member Chinny Krishna told ANIMAL PEOPLE.

Despite the court order,  police elsewhere in Tamil Nadu and in Andhra Pradesh states raided at least six cockfights during the first two days of Pongal,  making 42 arrests and seizing 25 vehicles.