SC refuses to allow Jallikattu

New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to pass an interim order for organising the bull taming sport — Jallikattu — during the ensuing Pongal festival.

A division bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said that the draft of Jallikattu judgement has been prepared but it would not be possible to deliver it before Saturday.

The court had reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the Centre’s notification allowing the sport.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Monday urged the central government to promulgate an ordinance enabling the holding of Jallikattu.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Panneerselvam said Jallikattu is an integral part of the Pongal festivities and the festival holds great importance for the people of Tamil Nadu.

In Jallikattu, a bull vaulter is expected to hang on to the bull’s hump for a stipulated distance or for a minimum of three jumps made by the bull.

The Supreme Court in May 2014 banned Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.

The court also held that bulls cannot be used as performing animals either for Jallikattu events or for bullock cart races in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country.

The festival of Pongal is celebrated to thank the Sun, rain and farm animals. It would be celebrated on January 14.