The recent verdict by the Supreme Court of India upholding the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act of 2017 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Jallikattu) Rules of 2017 has brought relief to the proponents of bull-taming sports in Tamil Nadu. This essay delves into the details of the judgment, highlighting the significance of the court’s decision and the historical timeline of the legal battle surrounding Jallikattu.
Background of the Supreme Court Judgment
- Upholding the amendments made by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
- Recognition of bull-taming sports like jallikattu, Kambala, and bullock-cart races.
- Acknowledgment of Jallikattu as a century-old traditional sport in Tamil Nadu.
- Alignment with constitutional provisions, such as Entry 17 of the Concurrent List and Article 51A(g) of the Constitution.
Addressing Animal Cruelty Concerns
- The 2017 Amendment Act and Rules on Jallikattu leave little room for cruelty to the animals.
- Remedying the mischiefs that prevailed before the legislation came into existence.
- Ensuring the welfare and protection of animals participating in Jallikattu.
Debatable Nature of Jallikattu
- The Supreme Court considers the Jallikattu issue as “debatable” and suggests that the final decision rests with the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
- Balancing the preservation of cultural traditions with the enforcement of statutory laws.
Link between Cultural Tradition and Statutory Law
- The court emphasizes that any violation of the 2017 law under the guise of “cultural tradition” will attract penal consequences.
- Balancing the preservation of cultural practices with the ethical treatment of animals.
Timeline of the Legal Battle Surrounding Jallikattu
- 2006: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court refuses to allow a bullock cart race, directing the state government to prevent animal cruelty.
- 2007: Jallikattu organizers appeal the decision, leading to a stay order by the divisional bench. However, the Supreme Court stays this judgment in July.
- 2008: Organizers file a petition in the Supreme Court seeking permission to conduct the events.
- 2009: The DMK government passes the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009, which is challenged by PETA before the Supreme Court.
- 2011: The Ministry of Environment and Forests bans the use of bulls as performing animals.
- 2014: The Supreme Court bans Jallikattu and strikes down the state law.
- 2016: The Ministry of Environment and Forests modifies its earlier notification to permit the sports, but the Supreme Court stays the decision.
- 2017: The Central Government clears the ordinance proposed by Tamil Nadu to bring state amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- 2017: Tamil Nadu passes the Jallikattu Bill, allowing the conduct of Jallikattu, which is again challenged by PETA in the Supreme Court.
- 2018: The Supreme Court refers all petitions against the sport to a five-judge constitutional bench.
- May 2023: The apex court upholds the state law and permits the conduct of Jallikattu, ensuring its cultural significance.
Important Points:
- 🐂 The Supreme Court upholds the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act of 2017 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Jallikattu) Rules of 2017.
- 🏛️ A constitutional bench of the Supreme Court recognizes bull-taming sports like jallikattu, Kambala, and bullock-cart races.
- ⚖️ The court acknowledges the century-old tradition of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and its alignment with constitutional provisions.
- 🚫 The Amendment Act and Rules on Jallikattu leave little room for cruelty to the animals, addressing concerns regarding animal welfare.
- 🤔 The court considers the Jallikattu issue “debatable” and suggests that the final decision rests with the Lok Sabha.
- ⚖️ Any violation of the statutory law in the name of “cultural tradition” attracts penal consequences, ensuring a balance between culture and law.
- 📅 Timeline of the legal battle surrounding Jallikattu: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and May 2023.
- 🏞️ The Supreme Court’s verdict upholds the state law, preserving the cultural significance of Jallikattu.
Why In News
Supreme Court reaffirms legal framework for animal welfare: Upholds Tamil Nadu’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Act and Jallikattu Regulations.
MCQs about Jallikattu and Protects Animal Welfare
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What did the Supreme Court uphold in its recent verdict regarding Jallikattu?
A. The ban on Jallikattu and other bull-taming sports
B. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act of 2017
C. The demand to modify the constitution to protect animals
D. The Ministry of Environment and Forests’ decision to ban Jallikattu
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According to the Supreme Court, what is the relationship between Jallikattu and cultural tradition?
A. Jallikattu must be completely abolished to protect animals
B. Cultural tradition is irrelevant when it comes to Jallikattu
C. Violations of the law in the name of cultural tradition will be penalized
D. Cultural tradition should override animal welfare concerns
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What did the Supreme Court observe regarding the Amendment Act and Rules on Jallikattu?
A. The Amendment Act allows for unlimited cruelty to animals
B. The Amendment Act addresses the mischiefs prevalent before the legislation
C. The Amendment Act has no relevance to Jallikattu
D. The Amendment Act contradicts constitutional provisions
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