The Centre on Friday supported the cause of having Kambala races in Karnataka, provided steps are taken to avoid cruelty to the participating bulls.“Unless cruelty is involved, Kambala should be permitted,” Attorney General K.K. Venugopal told a three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

When asked why the Karnataka government is “so bothered” about Kambala that it has to promulgate an ordinance, Mr. Venugopal said “all State governments have to appease popular sentiments”.

The AG invited the court to lay down objective conditions so that there is no unnecessary pain or suffering caused to the bulls.

People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which has moved the Supreme Court, said the ordinance violates the Animal Welfare Board of India versus A. Nagaraja verdict of the Supreme Court which made illegal any practice or activity inflicting bovine animals with unnecessary pain and suffering as “inherent cruelty”. The court posted the case for further hearing on November 20.