New Delhi: The Supreme Court said on Tuesday it has set August 30 as the final hearing date to decide on the constitutionality of Jallikattu, but it asserted it disapproves of arguments that the 'sport' should be allowed because it's centuries old.
"By this logic should courts allow child marriage, which too was a part of custom for centuries," the top court asked. "The mere presence of tradition can't justify practices," the court said.
The court's strong response was after Tamil Nadu argued that Jallikattu - the mostly southern bull-racing sport - should be permitted as it showcases a cultural tradition that has been part of the custom and culture of people of the state for 5,000 years.
The top court said that on August 30, it will begin hearing on whether the so-called sport violates the constitution.
In fact, the Supreme Court already banned Jallikattu once, in May 2014. At the time it said bulls could not be used as performing animals, either for Jallikattu or for bullock-cart races.
In January, the Centre allowed the 'sport' in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. It was seen as a pre-state election manoeuvre; state elections were held in Tamil Nadu in May.
Days after the Centre allowed it, in January, the Supreme Court put Jallikattu on hold. It issued notices to the Centre and other states asking them to file their responses in four weeks, to petitions challenging the central government's notification allowing Jallikattu and bullock-cart races.
There were reports earlier this month that the Environment Ministry may move a Cabinet note to amend a legislation which is likely to allow use of bulls for Jallikattu.
"Attempts to allow cruelty like Jallikattu at a time when countries around the world are banning outdated spectacles like bullfighting and animal circuses makes India appear backward and archaic in the eyes of the world," said People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India CEO, Poorva Joshipura, said earlier this month.
Supporters of Jallikattu say the 'sport' isn't cruel to bulls.
"I have watched the sport in several places. We have not come across any instance of inflicting cruelty on the participating cattle in the way of pinching with a stick, rubbing chilli powder on the rectum of the animal and providing arrack to the bull participating in the game", a spokesperson for ARHAM, a Jallikattu advocacy organisation said earlier this month.
"By this logic should courts allow child marriage, which too was a part of custom for centuries," the top court asked. "The mere presence of tradition can't justify practices," the court said.
The court's strong response was after Tamil Nadu argued that Jallikattu - the mostly southern bull-racing sport - should be permitted as it showcases a cultural tradition that has been part of the custom and culture of people of the state for 5,000 years.
The top court said that on August 30, it will begin hearing on whether the so-called sport violates the constitution.
In fact, the Supreme Court already banned Jallikattu once, in May 2014. At the time it said bulls could not be used as performing animals, either for Jallikattu or for bullock-cart races.
In January, the Centre allowed the 'sport' in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. It was seen as a pre-state election manoeuvre; state elections were held in Tamil Nadu in May.
Days after the Centre allowed it, in January, the Supreme Court put Jallikattu on hold. It issued notices to the Centre and other states asking them to file their responses in four weeks, to petitions challenging the central government's notification allowing Jallikattu and bullock-cart races.
There were reports earlier this month that the Environment Ministry may move a Cabinet note to amend a legislation which is likely to allow use of bulls for Jallikattu.
"Attempts to allow cruelty like Jallikattu at a time when countries around the world are banning outdated spectacles like bullfighting and animal circuses makes India appear backward and archaic in the eyes of the world," said People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India CEO, Poorva Joshipura, said earlier this month.
Supporters of Jallikattu say the 'sport' isn't cruel to bulls.
"I have watched the sport in several places. We have not come across any instance of inflicting cruelty on the participating cattle in the way of pinching with a stick, rubbing chilli powder on the rectum of the animal and providing arrack to the bull participating in the game", a spokesperson for ARHAM, a Jallikattu advocacy organisation said earlier this month.