Court mandates adherence to existing guidelines and practices for Jallikattu Advisory Committee composition
In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court, Madurai Bench, has dismissed a petition seeking independent permission to conduct the traditional Jallikattu festival at Avaniyapuram, reaffirming the state's role in organizing this event of international importance. The petition, filed by P. Murugan, claimed he was representing the Avaniyapuram village Jallikattu Committee and sought a writ of mandamus to grant permission for conducting the festival scheduled for January 15, 2026.
The bench, comprising Dr. G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan JJ., emphasized that as per the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009, and the guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Department, the State Revenue Officials are tasked with organizing the Jallikattu events at Avaniyapuram, Alanganallur, and Palamedu, considering their international significance. The court noted that villagers would still participate by forming part of the Advisory Committee, but an independent request for conducting the festival by any single committee is not permissible.
The petitioner argued for broader community representation in the Advisory Committee. In response, the Additional Advocate General assured that the committee would be constituted following past practices and court guidelines, specifically referencing earlier writ petitions, including W.P.(MD) No. 526 of 2020.
Concluding the proceedings, the court recorded the state's submissions and disposed of the petition, closing all connected miscellaneous petitions without costs. This judgment reinforces adherence to established protocols in organizing culturally significant events while ensuring community participation is aligned with statutory and judicial guidelines.
Bottom Line:
Writ of mandamus seeking permission to conduct Jallikattu - State directly organizing Jallikattu events of international importance - Advisory Committee to be constituted as per previous practice and Court guidelines.
Statutory provision(s): Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009
