Team leaves for Delhi to file review petition on 'Jallikattu' issue

Chennai, Jan 13 (UNI) A high-level team today left here for New Delhi to file a review petition before the Supreme Court, challenging its ban on 'Jallikattu' (Bull Taming), the traditional valour sport of Tamils held during the Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu.

The team, comprising Public Department Secretary Devajothi Jegarajan, Madurai District Collector Jawahar and Intelligence IGP Jaffar Sait was formed at an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to review the situation arising out of the ban and the widespread protests in the southern districts.

The team left this morning to file the appeal before the apex court tomorrow, seeking an emergency hearing on the issue.

The apex court had in its verdict on January 11 upheld its order banning the centuries-old Tamil sport, a show of valour of Tamil youth.

The government's decision to file a review petition followed resentment among the people of Madurai and other southern districts to the ban and demand by political parties, including the DMK allies, PMK and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, that the government take steps to ensure conduct of the 'Jallikattu', which was identified with Tamil culture.

Opposing the ban, PMK founder-leader S Ramadoss, in a statement here, said the Supreme Court's decision came as a shock and despair to the people of southern districts.

Describing 'Jallikattu' as a ''sport of valour'', he said this had been in vogue for the last 2000 years and it was identified with the culture and tradition of Tamils.

A similar sport was being held in Spain. ''Instead of banning the sport, it could be held after taking all precautionary steps and safety measures,'' he said.

Meanwhile, residents of Alanganallur observed a fast in protest against the verdict.

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