ABSTRACT
The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment in the matter of Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja & Ors, that has significantly impacted the legal and societal landscape. This decision serves as a pivotal development, reshaping interpretations and enforcement of the law while addressing critical issues with profound implications for justice and governance.As quoted in the Judgement, “Speciesism and of all forms of animal life being included in the expanded meaning of “life” under Article 21 of the Constitution of India[1]”. The contemporary issue of open and blatant animal abuse serves as a wake-up call. This case study explores theviolations of animal rights, offering a concise overview of diverse provisions aimed at safeguarding animals. The focal point of the case revolves around the practice of Jallikattu, the term “Jallikattu” has its roots in the Tamil language, specifically in the region of Tamil Nadu, India, where the traditional event takes place. The word “Jallikattu” is derived from two Tamil words: “Calli,” meaning gold or silver coins, and “Kattu,” which translates to a package or bundle. The term originally referred to the practice of attaching coins to the horns of bulls, creating a challenging and competitive event where participants attempted to retrieve the coins. Over time, Jallikattu evolved into a cultural and traditional sport with its own set of rules and rituals. Originally perceived as an act of bravery, where individuals competed to retrieve the money, it later transformed into a form of entertainment, featuring the pursuit of a swiftly moving bull confined with ropes around its neck. This Supreme Court Judgement is essential to us as it banned the practice of Jallikattu on the grounds of cruelty to animals.
Keywords: Jallikattu, animal abuse, customs, traditions, animal rights
[1]RICHARD RYDERRichard Ryder, ANIMAL REVOLUTION CHANGING ATTITUDES TOWARDS SPECIESIM,(1989).