The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the operation of a government notification that allowed 'Jallikattu' or bull taming sport in Tamil Nadu. Observing that Jallikattu amounted to heaping cruelty on animals, an apex court bench headed by Justice Dipak Mishra said it cannot be permitted in the 21st century.
Tamil Nadu’s most important festival Pongal, goes hand in hand with the sport.
The ruling came two days ahead of the start of Pongal festival when Jallikattu is played in rural parts of Tamil Nadu. Alanganallur, a small town in Madurai is where the sport holds its roots. The people have vehemently opposed the ban, since its inception and have threatened on celebrating a ‘black Pongal,’ with dire consequences, if Jallikattu is excluded.
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Having stayed the notification issued by the central government on Friday, which effectively permitted Jallikattu, the apex court issued a notice to New Delhi and other respondents.
One of the oldest living ancient sports, the bulls are specifically bred for the event. Jallikattu has led to numerous deaths in recent decades as young men try to tame well-built bulls.
