Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Review Petition On Jallikattu And Bull Race Events

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a review petition challenging the decision of its Constitution Bench regarding the bull race events of Jallikattu, Kambala, and bullock cart races in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other states including Maharashtra. The petitioner’s lawyer, Siddharth Luthra, mentioned the urgency of the matter before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and requested an early hearing. In response, the CJI stated that they would consider the request upon receiving an email.

Previously, the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court upheld the Tamil Nadu government’s law, recognizing Jallikattu as a sport. The court noted that the Tamil Nadu Cruelty to Animals Act of 2017 significantly mitigates the pain and suffering inflicted on animals. Jallikattu, also known as Eruthazhuvuthal, is a traditional bull-taming sport conducted during the Pongal festival to celebrate the harvest season.

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The sport has been at the center of a long-standing conflict between social activists and cultural supporters. In 2014, the Supreme Court imposed a ban on Jallikattu, siding with activists who argued that the sport violated animal rights due to the physical contest between humans and bulls. Conversely, supporters of Jallikattu contended that the sport is an integral part of their cultural heritage and traditions, and therefore, should not be prohibited.