Andhra BJP leader Raghu Rama Krishna Raju moved the Supreme Court on Monday, challenging the Hyderabad High Court's order not to allow cockfights in the state during Sankranti.
Claiming that the court could not intervene with traditions, as long as there was no violation of law, Raju also complained that the authorities were seizing the birds, which was a violation of the owner's rights.
He also quoted the SC's own order from last year, which claimed that the police and other authorities could seize knives and other such instruments, but not the birds themselves.
This move came even as the Hyderabad High Court asked the state government to strictly implement its ban on cockfighting, on Monday.
Speaking to the media, NG Jayasimha, managing Director, Humane Society International, said, "There has been ample evidence of cockfights taking place and the government turning a blind eye to them. We urge government to ensure orders are followed. Cockfights are not only cruel to animals but also encourages illegal activities like gambling and child labour."
Meanwhile, in another update, 12 persons were taken into custody by the Arilova police in Andhra after they were allegedly making arrangements to hold cockfights in Visakhapatnam.
Despite the Supreme Court upholding the Hyderabad High Court's order prohibiting cockfights, organisers in the state seem to pay no heed to the ban.
Organisers are going ahead with arrangements for the smooth conduct of the sport in the twin Godavari and Krishna districts.
The East Godavari police said that they had recovered more than 200 knives from different places, and booked over 35 cases on punters and organisers in the area.
The sport, is a 'tradition' for many people living in rural areas of coastal Andhra, and extensive betting is also done, with several crore rupees exchanging hands every year.
The fight is usually between two birds, specially bred for the purpose, with the match ending when one bird dies or is fatally injured. In many cases, three to four-inch knives are attached to the cocks' legs, making the fight bloodier, as hundreds gather to watch.
Cockfighting is banned under the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act, 1960, and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974.