Supreme Court: Bull Taming Sport Jallikattu Not Permissible; It’s Against Constitutional Principles

The Supreme Court refused to reconsider a petition to review the ban on Jallikattu, a bull taming sport in Tamil Nadu, in direct violation of article 25 of the Indian Constitution.

“What is the necessity of such a festival like Jallikattu? There was no festival for four years,” Justice Dipak Misra, observed, while hearing the Jallikattu ban review petition.

By using the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to suppress a usually harmless cultural practice, the court is claiming to uphold the Constitution.

The Supreme Court banned this sport in 2014 after animal rights activists petitioned the court, citing mishandling of bulls during such events. In Jallikattu, bulls are let loose into an arena where men are challenged to chase and tame the animal. The men also attempt to claim prizes that are tied to the bulls’ horns.

The unexpected ban on the sport has angered cattle rearing communities that are closely related to the traditions in southern Tamil Nadu.