CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promulgate an Ordinance to ensure conduct of Jallikattu during the ensuing Pongal festival since passing a Bill to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and other relevant laws to enable the conduct of Jallikattu would take time considering the present deadlock in the Rajya Sabha.
“ Pongal festival is fast approaching, 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, should be honoured”, the Chief Minister said in her letter to the Prime Minister dated December 22.
Jayalalithaa said media reports had indicated that the Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change had stated that the Centre would introduce a Bill in Parliament during this winter session to enable the conduct of Jallikattu. We were eagerly looking forward to the introduction of the Bill. However, now reports quoting the Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping say that the deadlock in the Rajya Sabha was the reason for the non introduction of legislation to enable the conduct of Jallikattu during the Pongal festival in 2016.
In this context, the Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to immediately direct the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to introduce a Bill to comprehensively and suitably amend the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and any other relevant laws to enable the conduct of Jallikattu.
“Such a Bill would need to be passed immediately to enable the conduct of Jallikattu during the ensuing Pongal season in January, 2016. May I request that the Parliament session be extended, or a special session called for this purpose? Alternatively, considering the urgency of the issue, the Centre may consider promulgating an Ordinance enabling the conduct of Jallikattu during Pongal, 2016. On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, I urge you to have the Ordinance promulgated expeditiously”, the Chief Minister added.