Newsroom24x7 Desk

New Delhi: The Centre today came out with a notification allowing controversial bull taming sport Jallikattu in poll-bound Tamil Nadu following extensive demand for its restoration by political parties in the state. Despite animal rights wings registering objections to the sport, Union government made a decision allowing the sport to function, albeit with some restrictions like distance, track marking etc.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu welcomed the move. Crackers went bursting and sweets got distributed in southern districts of Tamil Nadu as a welcome gesture, to celebrate the news, as the decision came just ahead of Pongal festival. Jallikattu aka Eruthazhuvuthal is a bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day.

The central government notification has issued the notice with reference to many groups of animals. The notification read — The Central Government, hereby specifies that following animals shall not be exhibited or trained as performing animal, with effect from the date of publication of this notification, namely bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, lions and bulls. Provided that bulls may be continue to 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 customs of any community or practiced traditionally.

Centre has also put some conditions, saying bullock cart race should be organised on a proper track, which shall not exceed two kilometres. And, with special reference to Jallikattu, the notification stated, in case of Jallikattu, the moment the bull leaves the enclosure, it shall be tamed within a radial distance of 15 metre and it should also be ensured that the bulls are put to proper testing by authorities of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department to ensure that they are in good physical condition to participate in the event. Additionally, it has been specified that performance enhancement drugs are not to administered to the bulls.

Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan thanked PM Modi for the move and tweeted — Central government has given permission for holding Jallikattu. Union Minister @PrakashJavdekar called me now to give the good news that arrangements to conduct #Jallikattu in TN has been made.

The decision to allow Jallikattu and bullock cart races in other parts of the country came despite objections by animal rights groups.