CA few Pongals and preparations are underway in several parts of Tamil Nadu for Jallikattu, a traditional sport involving bulls. On December 8, a five-judge constitution bench Supreme Court reserved the verdict On a batch of pleas challenging the Tamil Nadu law allowing Jallikattu. The court is expected to deliver its verdict before the start of this year’s event, which lasts about four months in various parts. it is likely to rule on the validity of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 2017, which does not talk about “taming the bulls” while legalizing Jallikattu. Although the traditional game was not allowed for a few years due to the apex court’s ruling in May 2014, the demand for its revival took a serious turn soon after the death of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in December 2016. As Tamil Nadu was declared void by the court. Regulation of the Jallikattu Act, 2009, which referred to “bull-taming”, the makers of the 2017 law defined Jallikattu as “an event involving bulls organized with a view to observe tradition and culture”. defined as On hearing petitions against the latest law, the court sought to answer the question whether Jallikattu should be given constitutional protection as a collective cultural right under Article 29(1); and whether the 2017 Act and Rules “perpetuate cruelty to animals” or were a means to ensure the “survival and welfare of indigenous breeds of bulls”.
In a democracy, one cannot ignore the cultural sensitivities of the people. Six years ago, the perception that those in power, both at the Center and in the states, did not respect this factor forced the central and state governments to come up with a state-specific amendment on the prevention of cruelty. The Animals Act, 1960, a Central legislation. The amendment allowing the event to be subject to rules and regulations had put an end to the crisis that had engulfed the state in the wake of a huge gathering of people for days together at Marina Beach. But the amended law, by itself, could not ensure that no human life was lost, let alone prevent incidents of animal torture. The rules need to be implemented strictly. Also, the bureaucracy should sensitize the local communities about the need for safe and smooth conduct of Jallikattu. Every traditional practice changes with time and Jallikattu is no exception to this rule. This message must be conveyed forcefully to all stakeholders.