Jallikattu - the famous bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu -- is not permissible and is against constitutional principles, the Supreme Court has said. While hearing a petition from non-profits, who want a ban on the sport, the court said, "Bulls can't he used as entertainment for human beings. It violates law on cruelty and principles of constitution... in this modern world of computers, it is better to play Jallikattu on computer."The
top court also told Centre, "On the one hand you want us to show compassion to cows and on the other, you want to inflict cruelty on bulls". Tamil Nadu government wants Jallikattu - held during the four-day Pongal festival -- to be allowed in view of the huge popularity of the sport among a chunk of the population.
Alleging that the motive was political, non-profits like Compassion Unlimited Plus Action, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals India and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations, say the ancient cultural tradition results in cruelty to animals.
Activists say there is clear video evidence of how the animals are assaulted, intoxicated and subjected to other forms of cruelty. Lime juice is squeezed into their eyes and chilli powder is rubbed on their genitals to make them ferocious.
On January 7, the environment ministry, through a formal notification, allowed the sport to take place. The top court, which subsequently put a stop to it, will hear the case again on November 16.
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