Chennai: With various people coming out for and against the conduct of Tamil Nadu's festival, Jallikattu is one most the most debatable topics these days. The Supreme Court on imposed an interim ban on the sport. 


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Here is all you need to know about Jallikattu and why it is so controversial:-


What is Jallikattu?


- Jallikattu is an ancient bull taming blood sport played in Tamil Nadu. It's a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day 


- According to experts, the term Jallikattu is derived from the term calli kacu (coins) and kattu (meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money


- One of the oldest blood sport, Jalllikattu is held in the villages of Tamil Nadu as a part of the village festival


- 'Jellicut' are the bulls bred specifically for the Jallikattu sporting event


Why is it so controversial?


- It is controversial because the blood sport often results in major injuries and deaths


 - Reportedly, from 2010 to 2014, there were approximately 1,100 injuries and 17 deaths as a result of Jallikattu events


-  Over 200 people have died from the blood sport over the past two decades.


-  The court held that use of bulls in such events severely harmed the animals and constituted an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to the Animals Act.


-  PETA India has protested against the blood sport over the years for animal cruelty


What did the SC say about Jallikattu?


- The apex court imposed the on Tamil Nadu’s traditional bull-taming sport after a clutch of petitions by animal rights groups challenged the Centre’s notification allowing it.


- A bench led by Justice Dipak Misra issued notices to Centre and all state governments on issues raised by the organisations relating to use of animals for sports and other performances and sought replies within four weeks
    
- The bench said that in view of contentions raised, there has to be an interim order staying ‘Jallikattu’ till the points of law are decided by the apex court


Who all filed the pleas?


The pleas have been moved by the Animal Welfare Board of India, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Compassion Unlimited plus Action (CUPA), People For Animal and various other animal right groups. 


Apart from applications to stay the Centre’s notification of January 7, contempt petitions have also been filed, contending allowing Jallikattu is a violation of the apex court’s order in 2014.


What does the SC's 2014 judgement say?


By a judgement in May 2014, the top court had prohibited the use of bulls in ‘Jallikattu’ festivals, holding this practice to be an offence under the law. The court held that use of bulls in such events severely harmed the animals and constituted an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to the Animals Act.