Soli Sorabjee dubs protests over Jallikattu 'blackmail'

Former attorney general Soli Sorabjee on Friday said the ongoing protests against the ban on Jallikattu should be given up as this seems more of an emotional blackmail while advocating that the Supreme Courtis the right forum for settlement of any dispute.

"The matter referred is before the Supreme Court and it may review its order. Those people who are on protest, who are opposed to the ban on Jallikattu should approach the Supreme Court with proper materials and documents that there is no cruelty to animals," he said.

"Everyone respects the sentiments of Tamil people and their culture. I don't know whether their culture includes cruelty to animals and at least heavens are not going to fall till the Supreme Court decides. I suggest that all these protests should be given up and it is more of an emotional blackmail," he added.

The sea of protesters continued to swell on the Marina beach in Chennai for the fourth day on Friday as supporters of Jallikattu staged their protest.

The Tamil Nadu Government has been repeatedly urging the Centre to issue an ordinance for the Jallikattu sport, which is held during the Tamil harvest festival Pongal.

The Supreme Court, which had banned the sport in 2014, today agreed not to pass any interim order for a week.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi mentioned the matter before the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar.

"The Central Government and the state government are trying to solve the issue," Rohatgi told the apex court bench.

The submissions, which were made to the court by the Centre, were accepted by the apex court.

The apex court had earlier in its order banned Jallikattu by terming it as a 'cruelty' to the animal.

Urging the protestors to end their protest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam has said that Jallikattu will return to the state in a couple of days through an ordinance or executive order that will be reviewed by President Pranab Mukherjee.