Jallikattu: Tradition vs Cruelty?

Abstract:

This case is about the bullfighting sport Jallikattu, which was popular in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Jallikattu was traditionally played during the annual Pongal celebrations and had a lot of cultural significance. But activists alleged that the sport caused a lot of deaths and injuries to both the bulls and the participants. In response to the protests against the bullfighting sport, the Supreme Court of India banned Jallikattu in May 2014. However, the government of India had later lifted the ban on Jallikattu. Some sections of society and most of the leading political parties supported Jallikattu and argued that it was part of south Indian culture. But activist groups said that they were determined to continue their fight on bullfighting.

Issues: » How to formulate public policy on issues with cultural significance? » Why do you need a pragmatic approach to solve issues related to public policy? » Suggest the way forward for activist groups fighting Jallikattu. Introduction In January 2016, India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests (MEF) issued a notification allowing Jallikattu, a bullfighting sport popular in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, to be held during the annual Pongal season. Jallikattu had earlier been banned by the country’s Supreme Court in response to a petition by animal rights activists. The decision of the MEF was flayed by animal rights groups who alleged that there were political motives behind the order. However, all the leading political parties in the state denied that there was any political motive and said their support for the bullfighting sport was for pure cultural reasons. Despite the calls to ban the bullfighting sport, Jallikattu received support from some sections of society which considered it as a symbol of south Indian culture and tradition...

Key words:
Jallikattu,Ministry of Environment and Forests,Tamil Nadu,Government of India,Bullfighting,Pongal,Spanish Bullfighting,Matadors,PETA,Animal Welfare Board of India,Madras High Court,Narendra Modi,Delhi High Court,BJP,Indian Circus Organization

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