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.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• 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.

Keywords

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