Jayalalithaa urges PM Modi to issue ordinance for Jallikattu after SC imposes stay

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in a letter on Tuesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enforce an ordinance allowing the bull-taming sport of Jallikattu in the state, saying sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu should be respected, according to reports.

The letter comes after the Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon imposed an interim stay on the Central government's notification allowing the traditional bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu.

The Environment Ministry had given the go-ahead for the popular sport with guidelines amid protests from animal rights activists and the Law Ministry.

"I had written to you on 22.12.2015, requesting you to arrange for the promulgation of an ordinance, to enable the holding of Jallikattu. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, had issued a Notification dated 7.1.2016, enabling the conduct of the traditional sport of Jallikattu in different parts of Tamil Nadu as part of the Pongal festivities (sic)," the letter said.

"On receipt of the Notification, detailed circulars were sent to the District Collectors regarding arrangements to be made for the conduct of Jallikattu, strictly in accordance with the conditions and safeguards indicated in the Notification. On this basis arrangements have been made by organisers all over the State for the conduct of Jallikattu, (sic)" it added.

Jayalalithaa also said Jallikattu cannot be conducted on the basis of the Centre's notification as the apex court has stayed it.

"With the Pongal festivities commencing from 14.1.2016, the public in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu have made all arrangements and preparations and are eagerly looking forward to the conduct of Jallikattu as part of the traditional festivities ingrained in the hoary cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. It is very important that the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu, who have a deep attachment to the conduct of the traditional event of Jallikattu, are respected, (sic)" said the letter.

"Considering the urgency of the issue, I strongly reiterate my earlier request to the Government of India to promulgate an Ordinance forthwith to enable the conduct of Jallikattu. On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu I urge you to take immediate action in this regard, (sic)" it added.