Supreme Court Upholds Tamil Nadu Law Allowing Jallikattu
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- 17 Jun 2025 --
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In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Tamil Nadu law that permits Jallikattu, the traditional bull-taming sport. The verdict, delivered by a five-judge Constitution Bench, resolved years of legal challenges questioning whether the sport violated animal rights or stood as a protected cultural tradition.
The court held that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 2017, and the related rules framed under it are constitutionally valid and do not violate the fundamental rights of animals or the principles of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Background
- Jallikattu is a traditional event held during the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu, where participants try to embrace or tame a running bull.
- In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned Jallikattu citing animal cruelty.
- Following widespread public protests in 2017, the Tamil Nadu government amended the law to allow Jallikattu under regulated conditions.
- This amendment was challenged by animal welfare organizations, which argued that it was unconstitutional and promoted cruelty.
Supreme Court's Key Observations
The Court examined whether Jallikattu qualifies as a cultural tradition and whether the law appropriately balances tradition with animal welfare.
- The Tamil Nadu legislature is empowered to enact a law recognizing Jallikattu as part of its cultural heritage.
- The amendment and related rules contain sufficient safeguards to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering to animals.
- The Court emphasized that practices deeply rooted in a community’s cultural identity should not be interfered with lightly unless there is clear and unavoidable harm.
- It found that the law was enacted not to promote cruelty but to regulate and minimize it while preserving cultural practice.
Constitutional Considerations
The Court analyzed the amendment under the following constitutional principles:
- Article 14 (Equality Before Law) – The law does not violate equality by treating Jallikattu differently, as it is based on reasonable classification and legislative intent.
- Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) – It acknowledged that the right to dignity extends to animals, but the law attempts to balance this right with the cultural rights of the people.
- Article 29 (Protection of Cultural Rights) – The Court considered Jallikattu a cultural tradition that deserves constitutional recognition under Article 29, which protects the rights of sections of citizens to conserve their culture.
Implementation and Regulation
The Supreme Court upheld the 2017 Rules that mandate:
- Veterinary supervision before and during the event.
- Fitness certification for bulls and participants.
- Restriction of events to specific locations and time periods.
- Prohibition of alcohol or performance-enhancing drugs for bulls.
- Mandatory protective gear and emergency medical support.
The judgment made it clear that while cultural traditions can be protected, they must evolve to comply with modern standards of safety and regulation.
Reactions and Implications
- The ruling was welcomed in Tamil Nadu, with political leaders and citizens hailing it as a victory for cultural identity.
- The decision may serve as a precedent for similar practices in other states, such as Kambala in Karnataka or bullock cart races in Maharashtra.
- Animal welfare groups expressed disappointment, raising concerns about injuries and fatalities associated with such events.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s verdict upholding the Tamil Nadu law on Jallikattu represents a significant moment in Indian constitutional law. It underscores the delicate balance between cultural preservation and animal welfare, and the authority of state legislatures to protect regional practices. While regulation remains crucial, the judgment reaffirms that culture, when responsibly practiced and adequately safeguarded, has a rightful place in a democratic and diverse society.
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