Supreme Court upholds Tamil Nadu law allowing 'Jallikattu'
The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday decided to uphold the Tamil Nadu law permitting the bull-taming sport "Jallikattu" in the state, according to the news agency ANI. Furthermore, the country's apex court also reportedly stated that the 2017 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act substantially minimizes the suffering and pain of animals.
Why does this story matter?
In 2017, the state government released an ordinance that amended the central Act and allowed Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu. This move was later ratified by the then-president of India as well. Meanwhile, the animal rights body People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) challenged the move by the state government and argued that it was unconstitutional.
Twitter post upholding Tamil Nadu law allowing bull-taming sport 'Jallikattu'
Will not disrupt the view of legislature: SC bench
A five-judge SC bench headed by Justice KM Joseph stated, "We will not disrupt the view of the legislature and since the legislature has taken a view that it is part of the cultural heritage of the state." "In the preamble, it is declared as a part of the culture and heritage of TN," Bar and Bench quoted Justice Joseph as saying.
Details on SC bench's verdict
Furthermore, the court dismissed all the appeals challenging the validity of states' laws permitting bullock cart races and Jallikattu. Parties, including the Animal Welfare Board, PETA, Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), Federation Of Indian Animal Protection Organisations and Animal Equality, Union of India, and the State of Tamil Nadu, contested the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act's amendment passed by the state.
Jallikattu going on in TN since last century: Justice Bose
Meanwhile, Justice Aniruddha Bose stated, "Jallikattu is a type of bovine sport and is going on in Tamil Nadu since last century; bull is left free in an arena." "Whether it is to preserve cultural heritage is subject of debate and not subject of judicial inquiry. It needs to be debated in the house of people," he added.
Tamil Nadu CM reacts to SC's judgment on Jallikattu
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also welcomed the verdict by the SC. Taking to Twitter, Stalin wrote in Tamil, "It is worth writing in golden letters in the history of Tamil Nadu that the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that Jallikattu, a sport that expresses the bravery and culture of Tamil Nadu, is not prohibited!"
Twitter post by Stalin
All you need to know about Jallikattu
Jallikattu, also known as Eruthazhuvuthal, is a traditional sport in Tamil Nadu that involves hugging or embracing the bull. It is celebrated widely as a part of the Pongal festivities on Mattu Pongal (the day after Pongal), on day two of Tamil month Thai. Notably, bulls are bred specifically for the event and are primarily attended by temple bulls - a village's cattle head.
Looking back at ongoing legal battle around Jallikattu
In the past, the country's top court banned Jallikattu many times after the Animal Welfare Board of India's appeals, citing the deaths of almost 43 individuals and four bulls from 2008 to 2014. However, it received the go-ahead under specific guidelines following mass protests and support from many celebrities. Previously, the Centre also voiced its support for the event in the SC.
