Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Exempting Jallikattu Along With The Other Exemptions Already ... on 18 December, 2015
Sixteenth Loksabha an> Title: Regarding exempting Jallikattu along with the other exemptions already provided in the prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960.
SHRIMATI V. SATHYABAMA (TIRUPPUR): Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Jallikattu is deeply ingrained in the cultural traditions of Tamil Nadu and is immensely popular. Jallikattu found mention in the 2000-year old ancient Tamil literature Silappadikarm and has great religious significance too. Families donate bulls to temples in fulfillment of vows and are reverently protecting the particular bull breed. Jallikattu conducted during the annual Pongal festival is intertwined with the religious and socio-cultural ethos of Tamil society. Jallikattu is inextricably linked to rural agrarian customs. The Supreme Court ban on Jallikattu has jolted the socio-religious and traditional sentiments of the people. Hon. Chief Minister Puratchi Thalaivi Amma has suggested that the Ministry of Environment and Forests could denotify bulls from the list of performing animals within the legal ambit to enable the lifting of the ban on Jallikattu. Hon. Amma has also called for suitable amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 by introducing a new clause specifically exempting Jallikattu along with other exemptions already provided in the Act.
HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You talk about what you want.
SHRIMATI V. SATHYABAMA: I urge upon the Union Government to act immediately and pave the way for conducting Jallikattu every year, particularly during the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu, and also other Indian traditional sports like Sethali and Bailgada. Thank you.