Jallikattu legalised with more animal protection
The Union Government has done well to lift the ban on Jallikattu while placing additional safeguards to prevent animal cruelty of any sort. This is an ideal middle-path solution that restores a centuries-old tradition to its rightful place while also ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants — both animal and man. On Thursday, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change amended its order from 2011 which prohibited some animals, like bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, lions and bulls, from being “exhibited or trained as performing animals”. The new notification makes an exception for bulls which may now be “exhibited or trained as a performing animal, at events such as Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat in the manner by the customs of any community or practiced traditionally under the customs or as a part of culture, in any part of the country”. The notification lists several safeguards such as testing of bulls by animal husbandry authorities, bringing the veterinary department on board to ensure that the animals are in good physical condition and regulating the length of racing tracks.
However, the debate over Jallikattu is far from over. From a legal perspective, it is to be seen how the Supreme Court responds to the amendment. In 2014, it had upheld the Ministry's 2011 order and made lengthy observations over how the ancient sport, especially in the manner that it is practiced today, allows animal cruelty and also dangers human welfare. Also, the Animal Welfare Board of India has already said that it will challenge the Government in court. From a political perspective, it is being said that the Union Government's decision on Jallikattu is motivated by electoral considerations — Tamil Nadu, where the sport is widely practiced, is scheduled for an Assembly election later this year and no political party wants to upset the powerful communities which hold Jallikattu close to their hearts. But Government critics are ignoring the recommendations of an expert committee, formed by the MOEF to review environmental laws. Headed by former Cabinet Secretary TSR Subramanian, the panel has ruled in favour of Jallikattu and other similar traditions. This brings us to the socio-religious implications of the debate, which has sought to portray Jallikattu as a barbaric, uncivilised tradition that militates against the progressive ethos of a modern, enlightened society. Nothing could be farther from the truth. living in harmony with nature has always been a part of Hindu ethos, and more specifically, Jallikattu itself has strict rules that protect the bull — players are not allowed to hold the horns or twist the tails, hanging on to the neck of the bull is prohibited. Only holding on to the humps is allowed. If these, or any of other rule made by the state, is violated (as they are on some occasions), the solution is not a blanket ban but better monitoring and more punishment for violators.