Jallikattu has global importance, only state can organise: Madras High Court
Jallikattu legal news update: Justices G Jayachandran and K K Ramakrishnan was hearing a petition seeking directions to authorities to grant permission and provide police protection to conduct Jallikattu festival in Avaniyapuram village in Madurai district.
4 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jan 14, 2026 04:23 PM IST
Madras High Court News: Since the government itself is the organiser of the Avaniyapuram Jallikattu, the petitioner could not insist on permission being granted to his committee, the Madras High Court said. (File photo)
Madras High Court jallikattu news: The Madras High Court has denied permission to a private village committee to conduct the iconic Jallikattu festival at Avaniyapuram observing that the state government itself is the organiser of the internationally renowned event.
A bench of Justices G Jayachandran and K K Ramakrishnan disposed of a petition filed by one P Murugan seeking directions to the authorities to grant permission and provide police protection to conduct the festival in Avaniyapuram village in Madurai district.
“Considering the international importance of the Jallikattu conducted at Avaniapuram, Alanganallur and Palamedu, the State itself is directly organising the events. Therefore, the petitioner cannot have any independent request to grant permission for his Committee to conduct Jallikattu at Avaniapuram Village,” the January 7 order said.
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
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.
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.
Vineet Upadhyay is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, where he leads specialized coverage of the Indian judicial system.
Expertise
Specialized Legal Authority: Vineet has spent the better part of his career analyzing the intricacies of the law. His expertise lies in "demystifying" judgments from the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, and District Courts. His reporting covers a vast spectrum of legal issues, including:
Constitutional & Civil Rights: Reporting on landmark rulings regarding privacy, equality, and state accountability.
Criminal Justice & Enforcement: Detailed coverage of high-profile cases involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED), NIA, and POCSO matters.
Consumer Rights & Environmental Law: Authoritative pieces on medical negligence compensation, environmental protection (such as the "living person" status of rivers), and labor rights.
Over a Decade of Professional Experience: Prior to joining The Indian Express, he served as a Principal Correspondent/Legal Reporter for The Times of India and held significant roles at The New Indian Express. His tenure has seen him report from critical legal hubs, including Delhi and Uttarakhand. ... Read More
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)
