The Central Government has finally bowed to the strong demands made by various cultural organizations and Political Parties of Tamil Nadu to permit the traditional bull taming sport aka ‘Jallikattu’ that was banned by the Supreme Court earlier on the grounds of cruelty to animals.
Tamil Nadu people erupted in joy with the central government’s announcement to allow the bull taming sport which generally takes place during Pongal festival. In a gazette notification, the centre removed bulls form the list of animals that were earlier banned from public display and allowed bulls to be exhibited as performing animals at Jallikattua sport and bullock cart races.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this decision. “I am very grateful to you for your prompt response in the matter, which has enabled the conduct of `Jallikattu’, a sport which upholds traditional cultural values and traditions of Tamil Nadu and has great historical significance and also ensures the continuance of traditional breeds of indigenous cattle,” she communicated to Modi.
In May 2014, the Supreme Court had upheld a notification by the environment and forest Ministry to ban Jallikattu. The Tamil Nadu government then filed a review petition and finally the verdict has come in their favor.
