Supreme court has ruled in favour of the controversial bull-taming festival known as Jallikattu, validating its legality in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This decision comes after the practice was initially banned by court in 2006 but later reinstated through a state amendment in 2017.
Animal rights groups, led by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), had opposed the revival of Jallikattu and brought the matter to the Supreme Court. However, the court’s five judge Constitution bench determined that the law did not violate the Indian Constitution, citing the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu as a significant factor.
SC dismissed petitions challenging similar bull taming and bull racing festivals in the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra, affirming their constitutionality.
Jallikattu, which dates back more than 2,000 years, is regarded as the oldest sports still practiced today. It takes place during the Tamil harvest festival of Pongal. Participants engage in the sport by attempting to grasp the hump of a released bull and hold on for a distance of approximately 15-20 meters or for three jumps of the bull.
The one who successfully accomplishes this feat is awarded a prize, but if no one can hold on, the bull is declared the winner.