Centre sends ordinance allowing Jallikattu for President's approval

Even as more and more people hit the streets in Tamil Nadu on the Jallikattu issue today, the centre has already cleared an ordinance or executive order allowing the bull sport. Now, it has been sent to the President for his approval. Protesters in Chennai’s Marina beach have refused to leave the spot till the ban is lifted by the government. The bull sport, which is played during Pongal by the youth in Tamil Nadu was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014 on the count of animal cruelty. The Narendra Modi government, ever since it came to power has been supportive of the demand of Tamilians who are passionate about this sport that the ban be revoked. Last year, the Environment Ministry had passed an order allowing Jallikattu as part of Tamil Nadu’s tradition. However, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Animal Welfare Board of India stalled the order and got a stay order from the Supreme Court. This year movement spilled over to the streets with the stars from the film industry coming out in support of the sport. In fact music composer AR Rahman observed a day’s fast in support of Jallikattu. Meanwhile, the matter is still in the court. Owing to the sensitivity of the issue and possible law and order problem, the Supreme Court, heeding the Centre’s advice postponed the delivering a verdict on the issue to next week.