Hyderabad: N. Sridhar Reddy, counsel for the petitioner, Narahari Jagadish Kumar of West Godavari who sought a ban on cockfighting; said that organising such fights is against the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960, and AP Gaming Act.

He said cockfights were most common during Sankranti, particularly in East and West Godavari districts. Anti-social elements conduct betting near the venue. He said that the organisers also organise sale of liquor at the venue.

Responding to the arguments, counsel representing the AP government submitted that the police authorities are taking all possible steps to stop cockfights in the district.

Stating that watching cockfights or participating in them was a social evil, the bench recorded the submission of government's counsel that the police will not permit the cockfights and would take all necessary steps to control them wherever they are organised.

While disposing of the petition, the bench told the police authorities to ensure preventive steps for the same.