Continuation of the sport of Jallikattu
- Recently, the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has been hearing petitions challenging the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 2017 and its rules.
- This law allows the continuation of the sport of Jallikattu.
- It is noteworthy that Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court in the year 2014.
- Supporters of the sport claim that it is part of the cultural rights under Article 29(1) of the Constitution.
- Jallikattu is organized on the occasion of Pongal festival. In this game, an attempt is made to tame the bulls.
- In Jallikattu, bulls of the best indigenous breeds test the strength and finesse of the farmers. However, it is considered a violent sport.
Status regarding Jallikattu
- A dilemma regarding Jallikattu remains whether the tradition can be protected as a cultural right of the people of Tamil Nadu, which is a fundamental right.
- It may be noted that according to Article 29(1), any section of the citizens of the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same.
- However, in this particular case Article 29(1) appears to be against the rights of animals.
Legal intervention on Jallikattu:
- In 2011, bullocks were included in the list of animals whose training and exhibition are prohibited by the central government.
- In the year 2014, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court citing the notification of 2011, on which the Supreme Court banned Jallikattu.
Current Legal Status on Jallikattu:
- The state government has legalized these programs, which have been challenged in court.
- In 2018, the Supreme Court referred the Jallikattu case to a constitution bench, where the matter is still pending.
Source – The Hindu
