Supreme Court Allows Jallikattu, Leaves Cultural Heritage Determination To Legislature

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the conduct of Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu, and left the question of whether it is a part of the state's cultural heritage to the legislature.

Kumari Harshita Kumari Harshita
May 19, 2023 - 07:02
Supreme Court Allows Jallikattu, Leaves Cultural Heritage Determination To Legislature
Supreme Court Allows Jallikattu, Leaves Cultural Heritage Determination To Legislature

Supreme Court Grants Permission to Jallikattu: Cultural Heritage Determination Left to Legislature

The Supreme Court has given permission to Jallikattu, stating that it is not the court's role to decide whether it is part of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage. When the legislature proclaimed Jallikattu as part of the state's cultural heritage, the judiciary cannot take a different perspective.

The legislature is best suited to make that determination. This case was pending while the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Act, 2017, was enacted in Tamil Nadu to curb cruelty towards animals. The Supreme Court had earlier reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the constitutionality of laws allowing Jallikattu, Kambala, and bullock cart races in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

The bench instructed all parties to file a collective compilation of written submissions within a week. The apex court had previously stated that a larger bench is required to decide on the petitions challenging the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 2017, as they involve significant constitutional questions regarding the interpretation of the Constitution.

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