The Supreme Court of India purported a milestone judgment in the matter titled “Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja & Ors.
In this case, the Supreme Court banned the use of bulls and bullocks in “entertainment activities” such as Jallikattu and bullock cart racing, among others.
Previously, the court on multiple occasions has held that animals have a fundamental right against the infliction of pain. It was held in this landmark judgment that the Bulls must not be used in any type of performance which includes races, bullfights.
The judgment also added that Governments and Animal Welfare Board must protect the ‘five freedoms’ of animals. This includes
- Freedom from hunger and thirst;
- Freedom from discomfort; Freedom from pain, injury, and disease;
- Freedom from fear and distress
- Freedom to express normal behaviour.
Note:
However, Due to protests, the governor of Tamil Nadu issued a new ordinance that authorized the continuation of jallikattu events. The Tamil Nadu legislature also passed a bipartisan bill, with the accession of the Prime Minister, exempting jallikattu from the Prevention of Cruelity to Animals Act (1960).
