New Delhi: Over 19 months after the Supreme Court banned “jallikattu” (bull fighting) and bullock cart racing in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, the Centre on Friday issued a gazette notification allowing the sport in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, though with certain conditions.
This move follows widespread demands for its restoration by the state’s political parties. The decision was taken despite objections by animal rights groups.
Crackers were burst and sweets distributed in southern Tamil Nadu districts in celebration as the decision comes just ahead of Pongal later this month.
The Animal Welfare Board of India had earlier advised the environment ministry not to overturn the Supreme Court’s order banning the sport. The Centre’s order said bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, lions and bulls “shall not be exhibited or trained as performing animals”, but also said “bulls may continue to be exhibited or trained as a performing animal at events like jallikattu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana,
Kerala and Gujarat in the manner ... practised traditionally... by any community”.
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