Government likely to allow return of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu

Competitors try to tame a bull during Jallikattu

Sivaganga: The Centre is all set to allow the popular bull taming sport Jallikattu and few other bullock races in Tamil Nadu from New Year.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said the government will let such practices continue while ensuring at the same time that animals are not subjected to any kind of cruelty.

"Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, bullock cart race in Maharashtra, Kambala in Karnataka and some sort of race using bullocks in Punjab have been traditionally and culturally practiced for centuries. These are traditional practices. We want that this cultural practice is followed but also ensure that animals are not met with cruelty," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said.

"There will be good news on this front very soon. We will give you good news that cultural practices can be followed as well as animals cruelty should not happen to animals. The government is positive on the issue," Javadekar said.

Javadekar said that the government will make an official announcement regarding the same on January 1, 2016.

Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport, is held in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations. Last year, Supreme Court banned the Jallikattu events and bullock-cart races across the country, following objections by animal welfare activists. The BJP's state unit has been demanding that the traditional sport be resumed.

Javedkar had earlier hinted that the central government would consider amending laws to bring back the event in the state.