Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promulgate an ordinance so as to enable the State Government to conduct the traditional Jallikkaatu (taming of bull) along with the Pongal festival which falls on January 14, 2016.
The Jallikkattu, where specially bred bulls are tamed by youths, is a traditional rural sports in Tamil Nadu which was banned by the Supreme Court in May 2014. Following the Supreme Court verdict, the State had a Jallikkattu-less Pongal in 2015.
In a letter addressed to PM Modi, Jayalalithaa said that though the State had preferred a review petition against the ban, it was still pending. “The inability to conduct Jallikattu has caused general disappointment and widespread resentment among the people of Tamil Nadu, particularly in the rural areas, as this is a sport which is part of their cherished tradition,” Jayalalithaa said in her letter.
The Chief Minister wants the union government to introduce a Bill to comprehensively and suitably amend the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and any other relevant laws to enable the conduct of Jallikattu. She has suggested that the parliament session should be extended to introduce and pass such a law or a special session be convened to address the issue so that people in TN could have a Pongal with their traditional rural sport.
“Considering the urgency of the issue, the Government of India may consider promulgating an Ordinance enabling the conduct of Jallikattu during Pongal, 2016. On behalf of the people of TN, I urge you to have the Ordinance promulgated expeditiously,” said the CM.