AMN /
As protests grow in Tamil Nadu, the Government today paved the way for the return of Jallikattu, the traditional bull taming sport , in the state by clearing an ordinance to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The Ordinance nullifies the ban on the sport put by the Supreme Court in 2014, which had evoked strong protests from across the state.
Union Law and Environment Ministries today cleared the Tamil Nadu government’s ordinance on Jallikattu which has been forwarded to President Pranab Mukherjee after consulting Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi. The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu announced this evening on its twitter handle the nods from the two Union Ministries.
Earlier in the day, Environment and Forests Minister Anil Madhav Dave told media in New Delhi that Tamil Nadu government’s proposal for bringing the ordinance is under consideration. AIADMK delegation had met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and submitted a proposal on ordinance. The Supreme Court also postponed its verdict for a week on Central Government’ request.
The Supreme Court had in May 2014 banned the sport saying bulls cannot be used as performing animals and had directed
governments and Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to take steps to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals. The Apex Court said all living creatures, including animals, have inherent dignity and a right to live peacefully and right to protect their well-being.
On 8th January last year, the Centre had issued a notification lifting the ban on Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu with certain restrictions.
Jallikattu (or Sallikkattu), also known as Eru thazhuvuthal and Manju virattu, is a traditional sport in which a Bos indicus bull is released into a crowd of people. Multiple human participants attempt to grab and tightly “hug” the large hump of the bull and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape.