Jallikattu has global importance, only state can organise: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court said that state’s assurance that the advisory committee would be formed as per established practice and earlier judicial directions is accepted. (Image enhanced using AI)

Findings

• Since the government itself is the organiser of the Avaniyapuram Jallikattu, the petitioner could not insist on permission being granted to his committee.
• The state’s assurance that the advisory committee would be formed as per established practice and earlier judicial directions is accepted
• The writ petition is disposed of.
• The connected miscellaneous petition are closed
• There shall be no order as to costs.

Background

• Murugan, the president of the Avaniyapuram Village Jallikattu Committee approached the high court with the writ petition.
• He requested the court to issue the directions for the festival contending that the advisory committee should include collective representation from all communities in the village.
• Jallikattu is a centuries-old traditional sport held during the Pongal harvest celebrations, mainly in the districts of Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni and Sivagangai.
• The sport requires participants to cling to a bull’s hump for a fixed distance or duration, testing strength and skill.
• Villages like Avaniyapuram, Alanganallur and Palamedu are globally recognised for hosting these events.
• Proponents view Jallikattu as a vital expression of Tamil cultural and agrarian heritage, closely associated with the conservation of indigenous cattle breeds.
• The critics have flagged concerns over animal welfare and risks to public safety.

Arguments

• Senior advocate Meenakshi Sundaram with advocate M Sangeetha, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the local village committee should be permitted to conduct the festival.
• The counsel said that the importance of community participation in organising the traditional sport.
• They contended that the advisory committee associated with the conduct of Jallikattu should include collective representation of all communities in the village.
• The counsel said this should be done to ensure inclusiveness and avoid exclusion of any group.
  Additional Advocate General Veera Kathiravan assisted by Special Government Pleader SP Maharajan, representing the state opposed the plea.
• They submitted that under the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009, and the standard operating procedure issued by the animal welfare department on November 21, 2025, the Avaniyapuram Jallikattu is organised by the revenue officials of the State.
• The AAG informed the court that villagers only assist the administration through an advisory committee.
• The state submitted that Jallikattu at Avaniyapuram, along with those at Alanganallur and Palamedu, has acquired international importance.
• The state also assured the court that the advisory committee would be constituted in line with the practice followed in previous years and in accordance with the guidelines issued by the high court in a batch of writ petitions decided on January 13, 2020.