Top court bans Jallikattu

Expanding the ambit of rights of animals, the Supreme Court on Wednesday banned using bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country and hoped parliament would elevate the rights of animals to that of constitutional rights.

The apex court directed governments and Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to take steps to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals saying all living creatures, including animals, have inherent dignity and a right to live peacefully and right to protect their well-being.

‘Animal also has honour and dignity which cannot be arbitrarily deprived of and its rights and privacy have to be respected and protected from unlawful attacks,’ a bench, headed by Justice KS Radhakrishnan, said adding the ‘Court also has a duty under the doctrine of parents patriae to take care of the rights of animals since they are unable to take care of themselves as against human beings’.

‘Bulls cannot be used as performing animals, either for the Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country,’ the bench said.

It said Jallikattu demonstrates a link between actions of humans and the fear, distress and pain experienced by bulls and the torture and cruelty meted out to the bulls is unimaginable.

‘Parliament, it is expected, would elevate the rights of animals to that of constitutional rights, as done by many countries around the world, so as to protect their dignity and honour,’ the bench, also comprising Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, said.

The apex court declared Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009 as constitutionally void, being violative or Article 254(1) of the Constitution of India.

‘We are sorry to note that in spite of the various directions issued by this Court, in the conduct of Jallikattu, Bullock cart Race etc, the regulatory provisions of TNRJ Act and the restrictions in Maharashtra, the situation is the same and no action is being taken by the district collectors, police officials and others who are in-charge to control the same,’ it said.

The apex court said organisers of Jallikattu are depriving the rights guaranteed to the bulls under Section 3 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA)Act, 1960.

Meanwhile, welcoming the SC order, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) described it as a ‘landmark’ verdict.

‘This is a landmark victory for animals in India. Year after year, court guidelines or laws were violated during Jallikattu and bull races, and countless bulls and people have suffered and even painfully died’, PETA India director of veterinary affairs Manilal Valliyate said in a statement.