Telangana News

The Supreme Court strictly went against Jallikattu saying that, it cannot declare a verdict before Pongal. So it is implied that, the Tamil Nadu cannot hold the bull sport during Pongal festivities, this year 

Earlier, the apex court questioned the Centre for its notification in January last year, allowing the use of bulls in Jallikattu, saying that, its 2014 verdict banning the use of the animals cannot be "negated". The court observed that, the country cannot import Roman gladiator type sport as its against the culture of compassion towards animals.

Centre, said that, it could ensure that the bulls are not tortured in any manner before or during the sport.

On January 8, 2016, the Centre had issued a notification lifting ban on Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu with certain restrictions. But Animal Welfare Board, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, a Bangalore-based NGO and a few others filed a petition in the apex court, who refused to re-examine its 2014 judgement banning use of bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock cart races.  

AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala supported Jallikattu, and also passed an ordinance to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. She even wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that, the event is “inextricably” linked to the  rural, agrarian customs, practices and psyche of the Tamils.”

She also explained that the bulls that participate in Jallikattu are “specially reared for the purpose and are not in the least cruel to animals, unlike other sporting events involving horses, camels and other animals.”