Jallikattu row: Supreme Court agrees to delay verdict by a week

Jallikattu row: Supreme Court agrees to delay verdict by a week New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the Central government’s plea to defer passing it’s verdict on allowing Jallikattu—the controversial bull-taming sport. “The Centre and state are holding talks to find a way out,” the government’s top law officer, attorney-general Mukul Rohatgi told the court. The Centre’s plea comes

in the backdrop of Tamil Nadu chief minister O. Panneraselvam’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to discuss the issue.

The ban on Jallikattu—a part of the Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu has triggered massive protests across the state in the last week. Huge crowds have gathered in Chennai’s Marina Beach since 15 January seeking revival of the sport.

The apex court has to rule on the legal validity of a 2016 notification issued by the Centre on allowing Jallikattu and bullock cart races in the country under certain conditions. It has reserved its verdict on the issue.

The ruling holds significance as it could resume the debate on animal cruelty inspite of the apex court having ruled in two earlier occasions—in 2014 and 2016—that Jallikattu is illegal as it amounts to animal cruelty.