Context:

The recent Jallikattu and Manjuvirattu events held in Tamil Nadu on Kaanum Pongal day have resulted in the deaths of seven people, including spectators and bull owners, with hundreds more injured. These traditional bull-taming events, part of the Pongal harvest festival, have sparked concerns regarding safety and animal welfare.

About Jallikattu

• Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport where participants attempt to control bulls running freely in a defined area.
• Location: It is typically held in Tamil Nadu during the Pongal festival, especially in rural regions like Madurai, Pudukkottai, and Karur.

Objective and Process

• Tamers attempt to hold onto the bull's hump and tame it, while the bull tries to escape.
• Prize: If successful, tamers win a prize; if not, the bull’s owner claims it.
• Cultural Connection: The sport is deeply linked to Tamil culture, celebrating the bond between humans and animals, and honoring cattle for their contribution to agriculture.

Historical Significance

• Ancient Roots: Bull taming has been a part of Indian tradition since the Mohenjodaro civilization (2500–1800 BC).
• Tamil Literature: Jallikattu is mentioned in Silappadikaram, a Tamil epic from the Sangam era, indicating its long cultural history.

Constitutional Provisions Related to Animal and Cultural Protection

• Article 48A: States must work to improve animal welfare and safeguard wildlife.
• Article 51A(g): Citizens must show compassion for animals and protect wildlife.
• Article 21: The right to life also applies to animals, emphasizing their dignity and fair treatment.
• Article 29(1): Protects cultural rights, including traditional practices like Jallikattu.
• Entry 17, List III: Allows central and state governments to legislate on animal welfare.

Recent Legal Developments

Legal Reinstatement of Jallikattu

• 2017 Amendment: The Tamil Nadu government reinstated Jallikattu by amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act after it was banned from 2014 to 2016.
• Supreme Court Verdict (2023): The Supreme Court upheld Tamil Nadu’s law permitting Jallikattu, recognizing its cultural significance.

Arguments for and against Jallikattu

Arguments in Favor

• Cultural Heritage: Jallikattu is a vital aspect of Tamil Nadu's cultural identity, celebrated during Pongal.
• Community Engagement: The event fosters community spirit, particularly in rural areas, and strengthens local traditions.
• Economic Benefits: The sport supports the rural economy by sustaining native cattle breeds like Pulikulam.
• Breed Preservation: It helps preserve indigenous cattle breeds that are crucial for agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Arguments Against

• Animal Cruelty: Critics argue that the sport causes unnecessary pain, suffering, and stress to the bulls, violating animal welfare laws.
• Safety Risks: The event poses significant risks to human participants and spectators, with multiple injuries reported each year.
• Ethical Concerns: Animal rights activists oppose the exploitation of bulls for entertainment and sport, citing violations of dignity and rights.

Other Traditional Festivals Involving Animals

• Kambala (Karnataka): Buffalo races held in water-filled fields during harvest festivals.
• Bullock Cart Racing (Maharashtra, Punjab): Traditional races where bullock carts compete during rural fairs.
• Cockfighting (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu): Rooster fights held during Sankranti festivals.
• Camel Racing (Rajasthan): Camel races showcasing speed, often held at the Pushkar Fair.
• Dhirio (Goa): Traditional bullfighting sport conducted in rural areas.