Supreme Court refers Jallikattu matter to constitution bench

The Supreme Court on Friday referred the matter pertaining to the controversial bull-taming sport, Jallikattu to a Constitution bench.

A division bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, passed this order after hearing the detailed argument and submissions from various petitioners, respondents and the Central Government.

The Constitution bench will adjudicate five questions framed by the Supreme Court on the matter.

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a petitioner in the matter had earlier moved the top court challenging the Tamil Nadu ruling and amendments.

The Constitution bench will decide whether Jallikattu should be banned or not.

The Supreme Court had on December 12, 2016, reserved its order on Jallikattu.

The Constitution bench would examine whether the Tamil Nadu government had the right to make amendments or not and whether the object of the new law is in accordance with PCA -1967 or not.

Various organisations, including the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and AWBI, had vehemently opposed the Jallikattu game, stating that it was a cruel event and it should be stopped.

Jallikattu is a bull taming festival, which was banned by the Supreme Court 2014 after the complaints of extreme animal cruelty.

Last year, after massive protests, the state enacted a law to bypass the top court's verdict.