Animal rights activists in the city rejoiced as they celebrated the Supreme Court’s judgment declaring jallikattu illegal. Cakes and sweets were distributed at the office of the Animal Welfare Board of India, which had earlier appealed against the Madras High Court verdict. Speaking to Express after the judgment Chinny Krishna, vice chairman, Animal Welfare Board of India, said, “A big thank you goes to Jairam Ramesh for meticulously going through all the data that we provided relating to this cruel sport and issuing a notice to the Tamil Nadu government despite opposition from TN leaders. We are absolutely delighted with the verdict.” Thanking all the top lawyers in the country who worked on the case pro bono Krishna said, “They did this with a passion and we knew we were going to win. According to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, it is clearly stated that animals cannot fight and only 54 years later is jallikattu declared illegal. This is truly a landmark judgment.”
He promised that the AWBI would do a lot more for the prevention of cruelty to animals with renewed vigour.
The Blue Cross of India Chennai centre was also ecstatic in its celebration as a vegan cake was cut and distributed to all its volunteers and workers. “This is clearly a step towards progress and improvement of the nation. Several years ago the British stopped the cruel practice of burning widows and today learned judges, doctors and scientists think that jallikattu has to be banned. They have spoken on behalf of the animals,” said Dawn Williams, general manager, Blue Cross of India.
“So many youths were losing their lives and it is surprising that it has been practised till now. It is enough,” she added. Blue Cross volunteers gathered in celebratory get-togethers in different parts of the city and many even danced in happiness.