Tame Bulls on Computer Not in Real Life: SC on Jallikattu

The bench observed this while hearing pleas filed by some NGOs challenging the notification of the Centre.

The bull-taming sport, Jallikattu, in progress. (Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

Questioning the Centre for its notification allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday that India cannot "import Roman gladiator type sport".

A Bench of Justices Dipak Misra and RF Nariman said that animals may not have rights but humans cannot negate their obligation enshrined under the Constitution.

We cannot import Roman Gladiator type sport here. One can use computer for indulging in bull fighting. Why tame bulls for it.

The Bench

It told Additional Solicitor General PS Narasimha, appearing for the Centre, that the government cannot remove the very basis of the apex court's 7 May 2014 judgement by making a notification.

How does the bull get tamed for entertainment? Can the bulls be contemplated for entertainment of human mind? Bulls are supposed to rest, why should they race. Jallikattu sport itself is cruelty on animals. There is prohibition of cruelty. We have to show compassion to the animals. It is our constitutional obligation.

The Bench

Also Read: How Does Law Allow Bakrid But Not Jallikattu?

The bench observed this while hearing a batch of pleas filed by some NGOs challenging the 8 January notification of the Centre.

Narasimha contended that the government was empowered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 to enlist animals to be used as performing ones.

Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Tamil Nadu, said when humans can run for marathon, why can bulls not be made to do so.

To this, the bench said "humans have a free will, but bulls are forced into it". It posted the matter for further hearing on 26 November.

Jallikattu, also known Eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull-taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of the Pongal harvest festival.

The court in its 2014 judgement had said that bulls cannot be used as performing animals, either for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere, and had banned their use across the country.

(With inputs from PTI)