Introduce Bill to amend laws for conducting jallikattu: Jayalalithaa

Amid growing chorus for holding the banned bull-taming sport 'jallikattu' in January, Tamil Nadu government has urged the Centre to introduce a bill to amend laws for its conduct.

It also suggested a special Parliament session for the purpose or even promulgating an ordinance considering the "urgency" of the matter.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Pongal (Tamil harvest festival) was fast approaching (next month) and "it is very important that the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu, who have a deep attachment to the conduct of the traditional event of jallikattu, are honoured."

In a December 22 letter to Modi, she said media reports had "indicated" that Minister of State for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar had stated the Centre would introduce a Bill in Parliament in the Winter Session to enable its conduct.

She said "we were eagerly looking forward to introduction of the bill," but Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan was quoted in media that the deadlock in Rajya Sabha was the reason for non introduction of the legislation.

Strongly urging the PM to immediately direct the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to introduce a Bill to comprehensively and suitably amend relevant provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, she said it had to be passed immediately to enable conduct of Jallikattu.

"May I request that the Parliament session be extended, or a special session called for this purpose? Alternatively, considering the urgency of the issue, the Government of India may consider promulgating an ordinance enabling the conduct of jallikattu during Pongal 2016. On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, I urge you to have the ordinance promulgated expeditiously," she said in the letter, released today.

The CM said inability to conduct Jallikattu has caused general disappointment and widespread resentment among the people, particularly in rural areas, as this was a sport which was part of their cherished tradition.

Jayalalithaa said jallikattu was a traditional sporting event held as part of Pongal festivities in rural Tamil Nadu for many centuries, adding that bulls reared exclusively for this event were tamed by able-bodied youth.

Jallikattu had considerable historical significance and was ingrained in the cultural tradition of Tamil Nadu and even found mention in the 'great epic Silappathigaram', and was popular among warriors since the Sangam era, she said.

"The sport is inextricably linked to rural, agrarian customs and practices and helps with the conservation of native germplasm since bulls with excellent physical attributes are reared. It also has religious connotations with families donating bulls to temples in fulfillment of vows."

"The second day of the Pongal festivities is dedicated to showing gratitude to the bulls that serve and contribute to the prosperity of the farmers," she said.
Jayalalithaa recalled that an Environment Ministry
notification in 2011, when Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre, had 'superseded' an earlier one and categorised bulls in the list of animals which shall not be exhibited or trained as performing animals, along with bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers and lions.

This notification was upheld by the Supreme Court in May 2014, she said, recalling that the apex court had "consequently ruled that bulls cannot be used as performing animals for jallikattu events."
The Tamil Nadu government's review petition against the ruling was pending before the Court, she said, adding that the former has been making consistent efforts and urging the Environment Ministry to take up suitable legislation to enable the conduct of the sport in the state.
Several rounds of discussions were held with the Ministry officials, she said, adding "we were hopeful that Government of India would take necessary steps to enable the conduct of jallikattu."

The CM also pointed out to Modi that she had made a request to him when the two leaders met here in August, seeking steps to legally pave the way to conduct the sport.
The chorus for holding jallikattu in January 2016 has been increasing, with sport enthusiasts and political parties upping the ante on the matter.
Incidentally, DMK's Madurai unit has announced a hunger strike on December 28 at Alanganallur in the district, demanding that the Centre and state government take steps for removal of the ban against jallikattu, with party's Treasurer M K Stalin scheduled to lead the protest.

Recently, a set of celebrities, including actor Vidya Balan and cricketer Virat Kohli had signed a petition by an animal rights advocacy group seeking upholding of the ban against jallikattu.