MADURAI: In a relief to organisers of the traditional sport of "jallikattu" (bull taming), held as part of the harvest festival Pongal,
Madras High Court today permitted holding of the event which is popular in rural areas of Tamil Nadu. In its interim order, the court, however, directed that all guidelines issued by the Supreme Court, high court and the Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Regulation Act-2009 should be followed while conducting the sport. Justice Chitra Venkatraman and Justice Karuppiah also warned that if the guidelines were not followed, the court could reconsider its decision. The Judges said the organisers should keep in mind that "Pongal", which falls on January 15, "is not a festival for human beings alone, but for four legged creatures as well. Hence sufficient care should be taken in conducting the event." Reports should be submitted to the court on how Jallikattu was held at various places in Madurai, Sivaganga and Tiruchirappalli districts on January 15-17 19, 29 and 30, the judges said after hearing three petitions by an organiser of the Jallikattu, an animal rights activist and
Animal Welfare Board of India today. The judges also directed Additional Solicitor General of India to get reasons from the Centre for issuing a notification banning the using of bull as performing animals after the "
Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Regulation Act" was passed and asked Tamil Nadu government as to why they were permitting to conduct Jallikattu.
