HC nod for Jallikattu during Pongal season

Madurai, Mar 9 (UNI) Clearing the legal hurdles for 'Jallikattu,' the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court today permitted holding of the sport annually during the pongal season in January-February.

A Division Bench, comprising justices Dharma Rao Elipe and P P S Janarthana Raja, refused to clamp a blanket ban on village sports like Jallikattu and Manjuvirattu or taming of the bull, Raekla race and Bullock cart race on the ground of breach of the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and set aside the single judge's order.

The Court, however, disallowed holding of the sports round-the-year in connection with temple festivals.

With the court giving its nod, the more than a year-long legal battle has come to an end, bringing cheers to lovers of these rural sports.

The Bench observed that the sports should be held with adequate measures to protect the animals from abuse as well as ensuring the safety and security of the spectators. It also noted that the State could introduce a regulatory mechanism for proper conduct of these sporting events.

Registering of the trained animals was suggested along with deployment of qualified veterinary doctors for testing and preventing intoxication and other cruelties to the animals.

The Government was directed to provide necessary medical facilities near the sporting venue besides ensuring adequate security arrangements, including galleries and barricades.

Underlining the need to bring in necessary controls for holding the sport, the Bench said it was for the Government to come out with an appropriate legislation.

Referring to the plea of a petitioner Nagarajan, who lost his son, an artist, while engaged in drawing a portrait of a Jallikattu, the Court directed the Government to pay the compensation of Rs one lakh within four weeks.

As many as 10 Public Interest Litigations were filed, both for and against holding of the event.

UNI