New Delhi: The Supreme Court today upheld the Tamil Nadu government's law allowing the bull-taming sport of 'Jallikattu' in the state. The five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph stated that when the legislature has declared 'Jallikattu' to be part of the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, then the judiciary cannot take a different view.
Traditionally played during the Pongal harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, 'Jallikattu' is a bull-taming sport that is also known as "Eruthazhuvuthal". The sport involves young men attempting to tame a bull by hanging on to it for as long as possible.
The Supreme Court stated that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 2017, "substantially minimises cruelty to animals in sports". The Act includes a number of measures to ensure the welfare of bulls, such as requiring them to be properly fed and watered, and prohibiting the use of any sharp objects or chemicals on them.
Tamil Nadu law minister S Ragupathy termed the verdict as "historic".
"Supreme Court has given a very good verdict, a historic verdict," Mr Ragupathy said. "In 'Jallikattu' there is no cruelty to animals."
Although it holds great cultural significance to Tamil Nadu, animal rights groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have challenged the Tamil Nadu government's law that allows the sport in the state. They argue that 'Jallikattu' is cruel to animals and that it should be banned.
Reacting sharply, PETA termed the Supreme Court's verdict as "anti-Tamilian" and "anti-Indian".
"Today's verdict is anti-Tamilian and even anti-Indian as it stands in favour of cruel events that have consistently caused suffering and deaths of our country's animals as well as Tamilian men and children and makes our country look regressive in the eyes of the world. Since 2017, when Tamil Nadu state legislation allowed 'Jallikattu' to be held in the state again, at least 104 men and children, 33 bulls, and one cow have died and trends show more deaths will occur," PETA said in a statement.
"PETA India is calling on everyone to reject these shameful spectacles that exploit bulls and buffaloes as we explore legal remedies to protect these long-suffering animals," the statement read.
The five-member bench was hearing a batch of petitions challenging Tamil Nadu as well as the Maharashtra government's laws that allow traditional sports like 'Jallikattu' and bullock-cart races. The court has now upheld the validity of both laws.