Validity of ‘Jallikattu’ and Bullock Cart Races Upheld by Supreme Court  

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the validity of the traditional bull-taming sport ‘Jallikattu’ and bullock cart races. This was a big relief for the governments of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

In its verdict, pronounced by a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph, the Supreme Court said the states’ acts are legally valid. Supreme Court says ‘Jallikattu’ is a part of the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

“Jallikattu”, also known as “Eruthazhuvuthal”, is a bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu, which is also part of the Pongal festivities.

Several petitions, including one filed by PETA, had challenged the law that allowed the bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu.

The top court had said that notwithstanding the cruelty involved in “Jallikattu”, it cannot be termed a blood sport as nobody is using any weapon and the blood may only be an incidental thing. People do not take part in the event to kill the animal.

“Because there is death does not mean it is a blood sport. I don’t suggest that people who are going to participate and climb onto the bulls are going there in order to extract blood in that event. People are not going to kill the animal. Blood may be an incidental thing,” the bench observed.

“Our tradition and culture has been protected,” said Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy as SC upholds validity of ‘Jallikattu’.