TN bullfighters gird up loins despite SC order

Government goes in appeal as organisers threaten to defy ban on jallikattu

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government is in a tight spot as the organisers of jallikattu are going ahead with arrangements for the annual bullfight in the southern districts this week despite a Supreme Court (SC) ban.

The government will file a revision petition in the SC on Monday, but organisers of the sport that the Animal Welfare Board (AWB) and the apex court found “barbaric and inhuman” are not waiting for the outcome.

“The government has assured us that it will get us the permission to hold jallikattu, a fixture every Pongal,” T Rajasekharn, convener of the newly-formed Tamil Nadu Adventure Sports Committee, told DNA.

What if the Supreme Court dismisses the government petition? “Well, nothing can stop the 2000-year-old tradition. Arrangements are in full swing in villages of at least 11 districts. Thousands of bulls and brave young men are raring to go,” he said.

The Tamil Nadu Adventure Sports Forum, another hurriedly set up group in Ramanathapuram district, has a more crooked argument.

“The Karnataka government has repeatedly defied Supreme Court directives on the Cauvery dispute, not releasing water to Tamil Nadu as instructed.

Why should not we go against a ruling that tries to stop an age-old tradition that showcases the Tamil valour?” said forum president Riteesh Kumar.

The belligerence was in full display in Sivaganga district hours after the Supreme Court refused on Friday to vacate a stay by the Madras High Court disallowing jallikattu.

Organisers of manjuvirattu, another name for jallikattu in the region, went ahead with the event in Soorakudi village. The bullfight is conducted here on the last Friday of the Margazhi month.

Police arrested four people for defying the ban, but observers said it was more of a tokenism to escape the wrath of the apex court.

Animal rights activists Maneka Gandhi told DNA: “It is sad that such a civilised state as Tamil Nadu continues to allow such an uncivilised act of cruelty to animals. It looks more bizarre as the state government is appealing against the AWB, which is a Central board.”

Officials maintained that the apex court’s final word would be respected, but refused to elaborate.

Organisers and onlookers said the police would not be able to stop the sport in several villages where all arrangements are over.

“Even in earlier years when there were restrictions, jallikattu happened without any change and police were often confined to controlling the surging crowds,” said a village elder.

arunram@dnaindia.net