Jallikattu to be conducted in Tamil Nadu, BUT with restrictions
The Tamil Nadu government has allowed conducting jallikattu across the State this Pongal season but with fresh restrictions in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Context
The Tamil Nadu government has allowed conducting jallikattu across the State this Pongal season but with fresh restrictions in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Jallikattu?
- Jallikattu is a disputed traditional event in which a bull is released into a crowd of people.
- Multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape.
- Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop.
- In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull's horns.
- Jallikattu is typically practised in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day, which occurs annually in January.
About Pongal
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Supreme Court’s verdict over Jallikattu
- In 2014, the Supreme Court of India struck down the State law and banned jallikattu altogether.
- The Supreme Court noted that any flouting of the ban should result in penalties for cruelty to animals under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- In January 2019, the Centre had issued a notification lifting the ban on Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu with certain restrictions, which was later stayed by SC.
