SC judgment on Jallikattu

• What does the Supreme Court judgment say?
  • It says that Jallikattu, which is a sport in Tamil Nadu, will be banned from now on. The reason mentioned by the Supreme Court was that it is brutal and against the spirit of the Prevention of Cruelty to the Animals Act.
  • The Supreme Court also said that the promise of regulating this sport, which was given by the Tamil Nadu government, was insufficient. It addresses only human activity, and ignores animal welfare completely.
  • The Supreme Court based its judgment on two principles:
    • Cruelty to animals, and
    • Insufficient safety measures for both, humans and animals

• What is the Jallikattu Sport?

• It is considered as a violent bull taming sport, which involves letting bulls run wild.
• Any person holding on to the bull’s horns would be similar to displaying a courageous performance.
• On the day of the event, the bulls are left starved for many hours. They are then dragged through narrow lanes. This is specifically done to ignite the terror or anger among the animals, and then when animals are left aloof, the participants display their courage.

• What arguments do the organizers of this sport put forth, to the background of this recent judgment of the Supreme Court?

• The bulls are well fed and pampered.
• There is no form of cruelty.
• Banning this sport would have an impact on the tourism.
• They will seek the review of the Supreme Court over this judgment.

• What could be the way ahead?

• The Tamil Nadu government should follow the Supreme Court order, as it is a very progressive order in its true spirit.
• Tamil Nadu should overcome its feudal mindset, considering that this sport has been held from the feudal days.
• In addition, Tamil Nadu should uphold the spirit of the Prevention of Cruelty to the Animals Act.