The Hindu : New Delhi News : Law on jallikattu proposed, State tells Supreme Court

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Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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Law on jallikattu proposed, State tells Supreme Court

J.Venkatesan

“Will restrict event to villages where it is being held for last 5 years”
Law will be in place by August, says Additional Solicitor-General

NEW DELHI: A comprehensive legislation with sufficient safeguards and guidelines for regulating jallikattu (bullfight) is proposed in the State, the Tamil Nadu government informed the Supreme Court on Monday.

Additional Solicitor-General Gopal Subramaniam, appearing for the State, submitted this information before a three-Judge Bench of Chief Justice K.G.Balakrishnan, Justice P.Sathasivam and Justice Mukundakam Sharma, hearing an appeal from the Animal Welfare Board of India seeking a ban on jallikattu.

On January 30 the court had restrained District Collectors from granting permission to organisers for holding the event without its permission.

When hearing resumed on Monday, Mr.Subramaniam submitted that the State had decided to enact a law and restrict the event to villages where jallikattu was being held for the last five years, usually from January till April. It would be in place by August. In its counter, the State government said jallikattu was conducted as part of temple festivals as it was a religious custom and part of the village culture.

A committee constituted by the State felt that the government should have the right to notify the events.

It said: “Though there are different classifications of jallikattu such as ‘manju virattu’, ‘vada madu’, ‘oor madu’ and ‘erudhu vidum vizha’, these are the same, and if the event is conducted traditionally as part of the culture of that village, permission may be granted to organisers. The conditions laid down by the Supreme Court will be the criterion for granting permission. Any other condition that may ensure smooth conduct of the event with minimal injuries or loss of lives can also be incorporated.”

The counter further said: “A Standard Protocol Book is to be formulated in each district in consultation with various authorities and all arrangements will have to be made in accordance with this book. The committee has requested the Director-General of Police (DGP) and all the District Collectors to suggest additional conditions, if any, for minimising the risk to animals and human beings while conducting jallikattu.”

“There is a simmering restlessness among villagers due to the temporary ban imposed by the Supreme Court on jallikattu. Therefore, pending formulation of the legislation after the elections, the Supreme Court may issue orders to conduct jallikattu on any regulations or guidelines,” the State said.

Plea to modify order

It pleaded for modifying the order so that the culture of the State and religious faith and sentiments of people of the villages were not affected.

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