Supreme Court junks Jallikattu organisers’ plea, interim ban to remain

The apex court, after questioning the "necessity of such festivals", stayed the Centre's notification lifting the ban on it.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | January 14, 2016 03:45 AM IST

2 min read

The apex court, after questioning the “necessity of such festivals”, stayed the Centre’s notification lifting the ban on it.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused pleas filed by Jallikattu organisers to lift the interim ban on the traditional bull-taming sport. The apex court on Tuesday, after questioning the “necessity of such festivals”, stayed the Centre’s notification lifting the ban on it.

The court after hearing pleas filed by animal rights groups, including PETA, imposed the ban till March 15 on Jallikattu. The ban also includes bullock cart races in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat during this period.

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The bench, citing points of law raised in a clutch of appeals against the January 7 notification, issued notices to Centre, Tamil Nadu and other states, seeking their replies in four weeks. It turned down the submission by the counsel for the Tamil Nadu government that prohibition on Jallikattu “will be creating a dent in culture”.

In Tamil Nadu, protests erupted in villages near Madurai after the Supreme Court stayed the Centre’s notification. Roads connecting Alanganallur and Palamedu were blocked by protesters.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider bringing an ordinance to allow Jallikattu during the Pongal harvest festival.

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“Considering the urgency of the issue, I strongly reiterate my earlier request to the Government of India to promulgate an ordinance forthwith to enable the conduct of Jallikattu. On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, I urge you to take immediate action,” she stated in her letter.

Reminding the Prime Minister that the Pongal festival begins on January 14, Jayalalithaa said it is very important that the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu be respected since they have deep attachment to the conduct of Jallikattu.

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