Jallikattu
Context:
- A five-member Supreme Court Constitution Bench reserved judgement on a number of petitions challenging the Tamil Nadu ordinance allowing jallikattu on December 8.
About Jallikattu:
- Jallikattu, a traditional game, is well-known in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. After releasing a wild bull onto a throng of onlookers, the competitors attempt to manage it by holding onto the bull’s hump and riding it for as long as they can. It is celebrated in January during the Tamil harvest festival of Pongal.
Current circumstances:
- The traditional sport was not allowed to be performed for a few years following the top court’s ruling in May 2014, however soon after Chief Minister Jayalalithaaa’s demise in December 2016, the demand for its reintroduction gained substantial momentum.
- Because the 2009 Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, which made reference to the “taming of bulls,” had been ruled unconstitutional by the court, the writers of the 2017 law defined jallikattu as “an event involving bulls performed with a view to upholding tradition and culture.”
The Supreme Court had hoped to settle the following issues:
- When considering petitions against the most recent statute, the court had sought to determine if the 2017 law and guidelines “perpetuate cruelty to animals” or were a way to preserve “the survival and well-being of the local breeds of bulls.” According to Article 29 of the Constitution, Jallikattu should be safeguarded as a common cultural right (1).
- According to the opinions of the parties heard before the five-judge Bench, the new Jallikattu laws were “connected” to Article 48 of the Constitution, which required the state to try to manage agricultural and animal husbandry on modern, scientific principles.
Cultural sensitivity of individuals:
- In a democracy, it is impossible to ignore the cultural sensitivities of the people.
- The Union and State governments suggested a State-specific amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, a Central statute, six years ago because they thought those in positions of authority, both at the Center and in the State, did not respect this factor.
- The amendment, which allowed the event subject to rules and restrictions, settled the quandary that had befallen the State at the time following a substantial gathering of people on the Marina Beach for several days in a row.
- The revised law, however, was unable to guarantee that no human lives were lost or even to put an end to instances of animal maltreatment.
How to Proceed:
- Regulations need to be reinforced and properly enforced. Additionally, the authorities must inform the populace of the value of a secure and well-run jallikattu. Jallikattu is no exception to the rule in that it, like many traditional practises, has changed over time. This message should be delivered loudly and forcefully to all parties involved.
