Context:
Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu, conducted during Mattu Pongal, that has been at the centre of legal, cultural, and animal welfare debates.
Cultural Significance
- Also known as eruthazhuvuthal
- Derived from Tamil words “Salli” (coins) and “Kattu” (tied). Traditionally, a purse of coins was tied to the bull’s horns
- Participants attempt to embrace and hold the bull’s hump to subdue it
- Linked to celebration of nature, agriculture, and cattle worship
- Practised mainly in Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai, and Dindigul districts (Jallikattu belt)
Legal Status
- 2014: Banned by Supreme Court citing cruelty
- 2017: Tamil Nadu amended Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 to permit Jallikattu under regulation
- 2023: Constitution Bench of Supreme Court of India upheld the validity of the Tamil Nadu law, recognising Jallikattu as a cultural practice
Regulatory Framework
- Mandatory veterinary checks, registration of bulls & participants, medical teams
- Prohibition of alcohol, sharp objects, irritants, and participation of minors
Animal Welfare vs Cultural Rights
- Article 29(1): Protection of distinct culture
- Article 48 & 51A(g): Animal protection & compassion
- Court held that state regulation can balance both
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040