Enact law to enable jallikattu, TN parties tell Centre

Accusing the state government of not efficiently presenting its argument before the Supreme Court, Leader of Opposition MK Stalin has urged the Centre to enact a legislation in the winter session. Alleging that the agenda of the ongoing Parliament session suggests that no efforts were being made by the Centre to lift the ban on jallikattu, Stalin said “the people were led to believe that the BJP-led Centre has scant regard for their sentiments and even the ruling AIADMK was gladly supporting union government’s indifference.” 

Stalin also advised the Centre, if necessary, to amend the Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Regulation Act 2009 promulgated in the previous DMK regime or enact a new legislation or make amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to ensure the conduct of jallikattu during coming Pongal festival. He also urged the ruling AIADMK and Union Ministers in the state to mount pressure on the Centre to fulfill the dreams of people of Tamil Nadu.  

Echoing similar views, PMK founder Dr Ramadoss said that though the SC verdict was expected, the reason cited by the court for dismissing Tamil Nadu government’s review petition was shocking. Claiming that the judges have now raised the queries once put forth by opponents of jallikattu, Ramadoss said that either the court has not understood the basis of jallikattu or Tamil Nadu government had not effectively presented its case before the court. CPI state secretary R Mutharasan said that in the history of Tamils, bulls were treated as a part of the family, besides being worshipped and that ‘they were an integral part of Tamil culture.’

Protests erupt in Madurai against SC rejection

Protests erupted at various places in Madurai condemning the Supreme Court ban on jallikattu. Nearly 60 persons were arrested for participating in them across the district. 

Jallikattu enthusiasts in Madurai spontaneously gathered near the Anna Bus stand with two bulls and shouted slogans condemning the Supreme Court, PETA and Union Minister Maneka Gandhi.  “We were not able to conduct jallikattu for the past two years and we would not want this year to go without the event being organised during the Pongal celebrations,” they said and added that the bulls have been raised like a family member and treated well by the farmers. 

They also shouted slogans to ban PETA, which they claimed as anti-national. The protesters decided to conduct door-to-door campaigning in villages around Madurai. “We will conduct mass protests in the coming days if jallikattu is not allowed to be held,” they said.  

However, all was not lost said the enthusiasts. Protesters were pinning their hopes on the Centre to bring in legislative changes to facilitate the conduct of jallikattu. Nearly, 40 persons who participated in the road roko at the bus stand were held. Similarly, at Avaniyapuram in Tiruparankundram, the protesters threatened to boycott the by-polls and continue their protest if jallikat tu was not permitted. Protesters even said, they would not hesitate to defy the ban and conduct jallikattu this year. Nearly, 18 people were taken under custody in Avaniyapuram.