NEWS

• During the Goa Assembly session, MLAs from across parties sought legalisation of dhirio (also called dhiri), citing it as part of Goa’s cultural heritage.
• Similar to Spain’s bull festival but without matadors, dhirio involves two bulls fighting until one retreats or is forced out.

HIGHLIGHTS

Nature of the Sport

• Traditionally held in paddy fields or football grounds during church feasts.
• Villagers bring their bulls, often given names like “Tyson” or “Rambo”.
• Fight ends when a bull flees or is overpowered — unlike Spain, bulls are not killed as a rule.
• However, injuries, deaths of bulls, and occasional harm to spectators have been reported.

Legal History

• 1996: Death of a spectator led NGO People for Animals to petition Goa HC.
• HC Ruling: Declared dhirio illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960; directed ban on all animal fights.
• Post-ban Incidents: Bull and spectator deaths reported in 2021, 2023.
• 2023: AAP MLA Venzy Viegas proposed amending PCA Act to exempt dhirio, following Tamil Nadu’s jallikattu model.

Arguments For & Against

Supporters:

• Claim dhirio is a non-cruel cultural sport akin to boxing.
• Suggest regulation (horn capping, safety measures) instead of banning.

Opponents:

• Cite animal cruelty, injuries, and fatalities.
• Emphasise legal ban and PCA Act’s purpose of preventing suffering.

Legal Precedents & Related Traditions

• Supreme Court (May 18, 2023): Upheld state amendments allowing jallikattu (Tamil Nadu), kambala (Karnataka), and bullock-cart races (Maharashtra).
• Jallikattu seen as a cultural heritage event tied to harvest festivals and cattle preservation.

Key Constitutional & Legal Context

• PCA Act, 1960: Prohibits causing unnecessary pain to animals.
• Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty to protect wildlife and show compassion to living creatures.