Ban on Jallikattu lifted; celebrations erupt in TN

The four-year-old ban on holding of controversial bull taming sport Jallikattu was lifted today in poll-bound Tamil Nadu with certain restrictions, angering animal rights activists who said it is cruel and abusive and vowed to move the Supreme Court against it.

Crackers were burst and sweets distributed in southern districts of Tamil Nadu to celebrate the news as the decision comes just ahead of the Pongal festival. Jallikattu also known Eruthazhuvuthal is a bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day.

"...The Central Government, hereby specifies that following animals shall not be exhibited or trained as performing animal, with effect from the date of publication of this notification, namely bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, lions and bulls.

"Provided that bulls may be continued to be exhibited or trained as a performing animal, at events such as Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat in the manner by customs of any community or practiced traditionally," the notification said.

However, the Centre has also put some conditions, saying bullock cart race shall be organised on a proper track, which shall not exceed two kilometres.

In case of Jallikattu, the moment the bull leaves the enclosure, it shall be tamed within a radial distance of 15 metres and it should also be ensured that the bulls are put to proper testing by authorities of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department to ensure that they are in good physical condition to participate in the event.

Performance enhancement drugs are not to be administered to the bulls.

An elated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his 'prompt response' to her government's appeal, seeking a nod for Jallikattu.

"I am very grateful to you for your prompt response in the matter, which has enabled the conduct of Jallikattu," she said in a letter to him.

She said the sport "upholds traditional cultural values and traditions of Tamil Nadu and has great historical significance and also ensures the conservation of native germ plasm and continuance of traditional breeds of indigenous cattle".

The use of bulls in performances was banned by the UPA government in 2011 on the ground that the sport ended in cruelty to the animals..