As SC hears case against Jallikattu, organizers plan IPL-style event
What's the story
A year after Tamil Nadu witnessed violent protests over Jallikattu, the sport is all set to make a return, and how.
January 7 will witness an IPL-styled league with 500 youths and an equal number of bulls participating.
Organizers have indicated animals belonging to MPs and MLAs would also participate, hinting at the event's political backing.
The debate on Jallikattu has rocked the state.
Introduction
Jallikattu, the bull taming sport
Jallikattu is a traditional sport in Tamil Nadu that involves hugging or embracing the bull.
It is celebrated as a part of the Pongal celebrations on Maatu Pongal (a day after Pongal), the second day of Tamil month Thai.
Bulls are specially bred for this event, which is attended primarily by temple bulls - the head of all cattle in a village.
2008-14
Supreme Court bans Jallikattu
According to the Animal Welfare Board of India, as many as 43 people lost their lives and four bulls died in the controversial bull taming event during 2008-14.
At least 5,263 participants and spectators were injured, of which 2,959 received grave injuries.
The sport was banned by the Supreme Court in May'14 saying it violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Protests
SC ban triggered mass protests across the state
However, the ban unleashed mass protests, with celebrities like Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan, AR Rahman and Viswanathan Anand supporting the tradition.
Protesters went on a rampage, damaging property and setting assets afire.
The Centre then speedily cleared a proposal allowing an ordinance on Jallikattu. The TN assembly also passed the Jallikattu Bill tabled by Panneerselvam.
It sought to sidestep the SC ban on Jallikattu.
League
Event organizers have now assured proper care for the animals
The IPL-styled event is being organized by TN Jallikattu Peravai and Chennai Jallikattu Amaipu.
For the Chennai event, participants would be divided into five groups, who would then have to clear three rounds. In each, one group will be eliminated.
Each round will see 20 bulls being released in the playing arena.
Organizers have assured availability of adequate medical facilities for bulls and participants.
Backing
Organizers hint at support of influential people including politicians
Even as the SC hears a case against the law which allowed Jallikattu to be conducted, organizers said the state government has permitted the event.
Bulls belonging to some politicians are also participating, they hinted, saying influential people will be inaugurating the event.
However, they couldn't reveal names as the model code of conduct was in force for the RK Nagar bypolls, they said.