Sub-judice, can’t act : PM on Jallikattu

New Delhi, January 19

Amid massive protests in support of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and urged him to promulgate an ordinance enabling the holding of the popular bull-taming sport. Assuring support, Modi pointed out that the matter was subjudice.

“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 currently subjudice,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a series of tweets.

“The Centre would be supportive of steps taken by the state government,” it added.

Panneerselvam said steps would be taken soon. “I have asked the PM to promulgate an emergency ordinance allowing Jallikattu,” he told reporters after meeting Modi.

“The state government will take necessary action in coordination with the central government to hold Jallikattu. The PM said the Centre will support the state government’s action as there is a case pending in the court,” he said. Panneerselvam said besides him, AIADMK chief Sasikala has written to the Prime Minister on the issue.

The Supreme Court in May 2014 banned Jallikattu, saying bulls cannot be used as performing animals, including in bullock-cart races.

Since then, people have been urging the Centre to take steps to allow the sport. The common complaint among the protest leaders was that the Supreme Court had insulted the Tamil culture by disallowing the traditional sport observed during the harvest festival of Pongal. — IANS