The Kamrup district administration has once again prohibited the holding of bulbuli bird fights anywhere in the district during the upcoming Magh Bihu celebrations. The ban has been imposed to ensure strict compliance with existing court orders and wildlife protection laws. The order was issued by Kamrup District Magistrate Dev Kumar Mishra by exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. It applies to all parts of the district, with special attention on Hajo, where the traditional bird fight has been associated with Magh Bihu festivities for decades. According to the administration, the decision follows a clear ruling of the Gauhati High Court delivered on December 17, 2024, in connection with a writ petition that examined the legality of animal fights during festivals. In its judgment, the High Court had struck down a state government notification issued on December 27, 2023, which had permitted buffalo and bulbuli bird fights. The court ruled that such activities violated the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and other related legal provisions.
Officials pointed out that bulbuli birds fall under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act and are legally protected species. Organising bird fights during Magh Bihu was described as harmful to the birds and a direct breach of the High Court’s directions. The district administration also warned that failure to enforce the ban could result in contempt of court proceedings. The order clearly states that anyone found violating the ban will face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, along with other relevant laws. As a result, the well-known bulbuli bird fight traditionally linked to Magh Domahi celebrations in Hajo has been cancelled this year. The event, usually held at the ground near the Hayagriva Madhav Temple, will not take place. Temple authorities and local organising committees have said they will strictly follow court orders to avoid legal trouble.
This is not the first time the event has been stopped. The bulbuli bird fight had remained banned for nearly nine years after a court order in 2015. It briefly returned in 2024 under tight conditions and monitoring after receiving conditional approval linked to Supreme Court guidelines. That year’s event was held in the presence of the Chief Minister. However, with the legal position unchanged, organisers have decided not to go ahead this time.