Jallikattu Is a State Event, Private Committees Have No Independent Rights: Madras High Court

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has made it clear that Jallikattu is a State-organised event and private individuals or village committees cannot claim an independent right to conduct it.

A Division Bench of Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan held that the famous Jallikattu events at Avaniyapuram, Alanganallur and Palamedu are internationally recognised and are directly organised by the State government. These events are conducted under the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009, along with standard operating procedures issued by the Animal Welfare Department.

The Court explained that revenue officials of the State are responsible for organising Jallikattu, with villagers only assisting through an advisory committee. This committee does not have the power to independently organise the event.

The ruling came while hearing a petition filed by P. Murugan, who claimed to be the President of the Avaniyapuram Village Jallikattu Committee. He had asked the authorities to grant permission and police protection to conduct the event on January 15. The Court refused to issue any such directions.

Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport held during the Pongal festival, especially in districts like Madurai, Theni, Tiruchirappalli and Sivagangai. Villages such as Avaniyapuram, Alanganallur and Palamedu are globally known for hosting the sport. Supporters see it as an important part of Tamil culture and cattle preservation, while critics raise concerns about animal welfare and public safety.

Addressing Murugan’s claim that all communities should be represented in the advisory committee, the Additional Advocate General assured the Court that the committee would be formed as done in previous years, following High Court guidelines issued in 2020.

Taking note of this assurance, the Court disposed of the petition without granting any relief. It also accepted the State’s stand that due to the international importance of these events, Jallikattu at Avaniyapuram will continue to be organised solely by the State under the existing legal framework.