BackJallikattu protests: SC refuses to intervene, says let appropriate HC take notice
A Tamil Nadu-based advocate asked the apex court to take cognizance of the protests at Marina Beach in Chennai, seeking a central ordinance allowing Jallikattu
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to intervene to resolve ongoing protests in Tamil Nadu—which entered its fourth day—against a ban on Jallikattu, a controversial bull-taming sport.
A Tamil Nadu-based advocate had asked the apex court to take note of the protests in Chennai, seeking a central ordinance allowing Jallikattu.
A bench headed by chief justice J.S. Khehar declined to hear the plea. “Let the appropriate high court take notice if required," he said.
ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu on edge as Jallikattu protests enter fourth day
Protesters are demanding an end to the ban on the traditional sport, saying it symbolizes Tamil culture.
Jallikattu, which takes place as part of Pongal festivities, was first banned in 2014. Controversy flared again last year in January when the environment ministry, just ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly elections, issued a notification allowing Jallikattu and bullock cart races. The notification was immediately stayed by the court. The apex court has ruled twice—in May 2014 and January 2016—that the bull-taming sport amounts to cruelty against animals and cannot be allowed.
The Supreme Court is yet to decide whether the 2016 notification of the central government permitting Jallikattu conditionally is valid.
Last week, environment minister Anil Madhav Dave said that the centre will take a decision after the apex court rules on the issue.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu continues to be on the boil with mass protests against the ban entering its fourth day.
Shouting slogans and holding placards, thousands of demonstrators filled the streets near Chennai’s Marina beach, and various other parts of the state, on Thursday, especially after news came out that a morning meeting between chief minister O. Panneerselvam and Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not make any significant progress to lift the ban.
ALSO READ | Jallikattu protest spread beyond Tamil Nadu to Lanka, UK and Australia
Modi virtually indicated his government’s inability to promulgate an ordinance on allowing Jallikattu noting that the matter is sub-judice.
The state government hinted that it will soon take steps, with the backing of the centre, for holding of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu. However, it did not say how the ban will be skirted.
“We will soon take steps with the backing of the centre for the holding of the sport. You will soon see (the steps). All is well that ends well. Wait, good will happen," the CM told reporters after meeting Modi.
The demonstrators claim Jallikattu is much more than a past-time sporting activity and seek to associate it with regional identity and culture.
ALSO READ | Jallikattu ban: Modi pleads inability to Paneerselvam over ‘sub-judice’ matter
This year, popular sentiment against the ban found wide resonance and kick-started a debate as political parties, students, celebrities, and film stars, among others, threw their weight behind the issue.
The administration seems baffled how to end what looks like an apolitical, leaderless mass movement and it only seems to be growing as day passes. Friday will see the agitation move to another level—advocates have decided to stay away from courts, a popular union of cinema workers has announced a hunger strike and a section of hotels, shops and public transportation plan to shut operations in Chennai.
While demonstrators so far have been stopped mainstream political parties from taking centre stage in the protests, analysts say the protesters clearly have the tacit support of ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
PTI contributed to this story
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