Vaidyanathan, Updated: July 09, 2010 13:20 IST
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/stop-treating-jallikattu-as-an-industry-says-supreme-court-36509
Chennai: It's a traditional part of Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu. Jallikattu - a bull-taming sport - has been objected to strongly by animal rights' activists.
Now, the Supreme Court has slammed the Tamil Nadu government for a mercenary approach to Jallikattu by allowing the event to run for five months. The court wants the event to last for two months. "Jallikattu has become an industry and people are making money. This is normally done during Pongal. How can you stretch it for five months upto May?" asked the court.
Last year, under pressure from the Animal Welfare Board, the Tamil Nadu government limited the bullfight run from January to May; organizers are required to deposit 2 lakhs as compensation for those injured during the event - a common fallout of the ritual. The Supreme Court has suggested that amount be raised significantly to 20 lakhs.
The state government has to respond within a month to the court's suggestions and observations.
Jallikattu is most popular in the Madurai district and attracts huge local audiences as well as foreign tourists.
The term Jallikattu comes from the term "Salli" kassu (coins) and "Kattu" (meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money.
