Jallikattu banned in Vellore, nearby districts ahead of Pongal as COVID-19 cases see spike

What is the news?

Jallikattu has been banned in Vellore and nearby districts in Tamil Nadu as there has been a steep rise in the daily cases of COVID-19.

What is Jallikattu?

Jallikattu is called Eru thazuval or embracing the bull. It is a bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu that has traditionally been part of the festival of Pongal. 

An ancient reference to Jallikattu is found in a seal discovered at Mohenjodaro which is dated between 2,500 BC and 1,800 BC.The festival also finds a mention in the Sangam literature.

Why are animal activists opposed to Jallikattu?

The practice of Jallikattu has long been contested, with animal rights concerned over issues of cruelty to animals and the bloody and dangerous nature of the sport that causes death and injuries to both the bulls and human participants.

What are the arguments in favour of Jallikattu?

Firstly, Jallikattu is Tamil pride, Tamil culture and the cultural heritage of the state of Tamil Nadu.

Secondly, Jallikattu is considered a traditional way for the peasant community to preserve their pure-breed native bulls.(Conservationists and peasants argue that Jallikattu is a way to protect these male animals which are otherwise used only for meat if not for ploughing). 

What is the Supreme Court stand on Jallikattu?

In 2011, the Centre added bulls to the list of animals whose training and exhibition is prohibited.

In 2014, the Supreme Court banned the Jallikattu on a petition that cited the 2011 notification.

In 2017, Tamil Nadu government passed an amendment to the central government’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and allowing Jallikattu in the state; this was later ratified by the President.

In 2018, the Supreme Court referred the Jallikattu case to a Constitution Bench, where it is pending now.

Source: This post is based on the article “Jallikattu banned in Vellore, nearby districts ahead of Pongal as COVID-19 cases see spike” published in The Hindu on 11^th January 2022.