Mr O Pannerselvan has said today that he has send an ordinance for the President’s approval, following which, the ancient bull-taming festival Jallikattu could be held in two days. He said,
“A proposal has been sent to the home ministry. Once the formalities are completed, wewill get approval from the President”
“I consulted senior law experts. The state will bring in an amendment to lift the ban. Once President gives his approval, it will be sent to the Tamil Nadu Governer who will promulgate the ordinace in few days”
He requested the students, public and organisations to end their protest.
The supreme court of India had banned the practice of Jallikattu in May 2014 after the Animal Welfare Board of Indiaput a case forward showing torture and cruelty to animals. The ban was temporarily lifted prior to 2016’s Pongal festival before being reinstated days later. This caused a major protest all over Tamil Nadu.
Thousands of people have gathered at Chinnai’s Marina Beach for four days now protesting against the ban and asking for it to be lifted. Taxis and rickshaws are mostly off Chennai’s roads, private schools and colleges, market places and malls were closed and buses and trains were not running.
Not only this, the South Indian film industry came out in support of the protestors as well. Today, that is, Friday the 20th of January will mark a day long silent peaceful protest by the influential actors’ association, Nadigar Sangam. All top actors like Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vijay, Ajith, Suriya, Nayanthara and Trisha are likely to participate. Even the Academy Award winner AR Rahman will fast today.
Not only this, the Indian diaspora around the world protested against this ban too. To read about the protest in Australia and the history of the bull-taming festival, please read the following link:
