SC rejects Jallikattu review petitions

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed three separate petitions seeking review of the 2014 verdict which had banned use of bulls in “Jallikattu”, “Kambala” and bullock-cart race organised in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other places.

A bench of Justices V Gopala Gowda and Pinaki Chandra Ghose saw no merit to interfere with the verdict wherein it held the right to dignity and fair treatment was not confined to human beings alone, but to animals as well and such events caused pain and stress to the bulls.

In its judgment on May 7, 2014, the court held “Jallikattu”, bullock-cart race and such events per se violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act. The court had then also upheld the notification dated July 11, 2011 issued by the central government, banning the use of bulls as performing animals.

Though the NDA government on January 7 brought out fresh notification allowing the use of bulls in any sport or event, the SC stayed its operation on plea by Animal Welfare Board and others.

‘TN will bring it back’

With the Supreme Court ban on Jallikattu continuing in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK government has said it is taking all necessary steps to get the sport back.

Leader of the state Assembly O Panneerselvam assured the House that the government is taking all steps to bring back the sport, when the opposition members, including those from the DMK, Congress and the Left parties staged a walkout protesting the Speaker’s refusal to let them speak on the Jallikattu issue.

"The matter is currently before the Supreme Court. This government is taking all necessary steps, including legal methods, to enable conduct of Jallikattu", Panneerselvam said.