Amid massive protests in the state of Tamil Nadu in favour of the banned Jallikattu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told the state’s Chief Minister, O. Paneerselvam, that while the Centre appreciated the ‘cultural significance’ of the sport, the matter is in court and a final order is awaited.
“PM Modi said he gives highest importance to cultural values of the state. He assured he will extend full support to us. Gave letter to PM saying that ban on jallikattu must be lifted and Centre should draft an ordinance on it,” said Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam after the meeting with the PM.
“The ban imposed on Jallikattu by the Supreme Court came up for discussion. While appreciating the cultural significance of Jallikattu, the Prime Minister observed that the matter is presently sub-judice,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a series of tweets.
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The ban imposed on Jallikattu by the Supreme Court came up for discussion.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 19, 2017
While appreciating the cultural significance of Jallikattu, the Prime Minister observed that the matter is presently sub-judice.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 19, 2017
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The Centre would be supportive of steps taken by the State Government.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 19, 2017
PM @narendramodi assured CM Paneerselvam that all possible assistance would be provided to the State to address the drought situation.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 19, 2017
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Jallikattu, or bull-taming, was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014 on the grounds of animal cruelty. Since then, the ban has been revoked and re-imposed a couple of times. The matter is now in the Supreme Court.
However, even as the apex court deliberates – it couldn’t give a verdict in time for Pongal when the sport is played – protests broke out all over Tamil Nadu in favour of continuing the sport which Jallikattu supporters say is a “tradition”, a matter of “Tamil pride” and something courts don’t have a right to pass verdict on.
Marina Beach in Chennai is ‘occupied’ by protestors demanding Jallikattu be brought back. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 students gathered at Marina Beach in Chennai yesterday. They said they would stay there until they get a response from the Centre on continuing the sport.