Madras High Court Holds Jallikattu at Avaniyapuram Must Be Conducted Only by the State

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ruled that Jallikattu is a State-organised event and that private individuals or self-styled village committees have no independent right to conduct it, particularly at Avaniyapuram.

The case arose from a plea seeking permission and police protection to hold Jallikattu on January 15.

The Court noted that under the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009, and the applicable Standard Operating Procedure, Jallikattu at Avaniyapuram, Alanganallur and Palamedu, which have international importance, is organised by State revenue authorities, with villagers participating only through an advisory committee.

Declining relief, the Court clarified that Jallikattu at Avaniyapuram will continue to be conducted solely by the State in accordance with the statutory framework.

[P Murugan v. District Collector]