Supreme Court’s ban on Jallikattu continues

With Supreme Court announcing ban on Jallikattu during Pongal in Tamil Nadu, there's likely to be no bull taming sports on the harvest festival this year. The court said it cannot hear a petition challenging its ban on Jallikattu as it is in the process of delivering judgment on the validity of a notification by the Centre allowing the sport. It said a draft judgment is ready but it is unfair to ask the judges to pass their order in the next two days. Jallikattu is organized in Tamil Nadu to celebrate Pongal. But for the last two years Supreme Court has imposed a ban on holding Jallikkatu as this sport subjects the bulls to torture and grievous injury, according to the Animal Rights Groups. On the contrary, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneersevlam has vowed to ensure that Jallikattu is held during Pongal this year. He along with his party members have filed petitions requesting the Centre to issue an ordinance or executive order to allow the sport to be held, saying it is a symbol of Tamil pride. & quot I and the Tamil Nadu government, who follow in the footsteps of Amma, will ensure that Jallikattu is held this year. We will not back off even a bit. I would like to assure the people of Tamil Nadu that we will uphold the heritage and culture of the Tamils,& quot said Chief Minister, Mr. Panneerselvam. Number of protests has been held across the state for reintroduction of the sport which is hugely popular in the rural areas but the Centre has indicated that it is not eager to take the ordinance route for allowing it. Union Environment Minister Anil Dave, who met an AIADMK delegation, said the government is waiting for the Supreme Court's decision. & quot We should request the Supreme Court to give its judgment, after that the government can take any step. The government is ready even at midnight to do all these things,& quot said Mr. Dave. The Supreme Court had banned Jallikattu in 2014. The Congress-led UPA government in 2011 had included bulls in the list of animals banned for use as performing animals. The NDA government delisted bulls but the top court stayed the order and will now give its final verdict on the matter

Certain traditions which were followed in the past need not be continued in the present times considering the sensitivity that has grown amongst people for animals. The nation is much more aware of its rights towards animals and accordingly the Courts have made judgments banning sports like Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and cockfight in Andhra Pradesh.