Central Government Allows Tamil Nadu To Conduct Controversial Bull-Taming Sport, Jallikattu

Central Government Allows Tamil Nadu To Conduct Controversial Bull-Taming Sport, Jallikattu

The central government on Friday issued fresh guidelines for the conduct of Jallikattu, the bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu, allowing the resumption of the controversial game after a gap of five years. 

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The Environment Ministry issued a notification saying that 'bulls may continue to be exhibited or trained as a performing animal, at events such as Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat in the manner by the customs of any community or practised traditionally under the customs or as part of culture.'

The Hindu

It however added a few guidelines to regulate it.

These events shall take place in areas at such places as the district magistrate or collector explicitly permits

The bull once out of the enclosure shall be tamed within a radial distance of 15 metres

The sport, which is a part of the Pongal festival celebrations, was banned in 2011 by the Environment Ministry after animal rights campaigners alleged that the bulls were being ill-treated. The Supreme Court had upheld the ban in 2014. 

jallikattu

Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa had recently written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Centre to introduce a bill to amend laws for its conduct.

The  Animal Welfare Board of India said they will be challenging the order immediately.

The sport, which dates back centuries, has always been an integral part of Tamil culture. Bulls are chosen at a very young age and are trained and fed with a highly nutritious diet to prepare them. 

Indian Express

During Jallikattu, the bull is opened into an enclosure filled with people who try to tame it. People getting gored or run over is a common occurrence during the game. The winner is he who manages to tame the bull, and is often rewarded with a huge cash prize.