The Centre has allowed the traditional bull taming game Jallikkattu, by removing the ban against it. The game is being played mostly in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu during Pongal festivities. After a long drawn legal battle, it was banned by the Supreme Court in May 2014. However, the Union Environment and Forests Ministry has cleared the decks for the traditional game subject to stringent conditions to avoid cruelty to animals. <br/><br/>Jallikkattu enthusiasts in thousands spontaneously erupted in joy, immediately after Union Minister Pon.Radhakrishnan informed about the Environment Ministry's decision allowing the traditional game. This has been widely welcomed by all political parties in Tamil Nadu. However, animal welfare activists like members of PETA have voiced their concern against the decision saying it is against the apex court ruling. <br/><br/>The bull race called Rekhla race has also been allowed by removing bulls from the list of animals banned from public display for entertainment. Mr Radhakrishnan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar and BJP chief Amit Shah for allowing Jalllikkattu. Most of the political parties thanked the Centre for what they call "landmark decision" in allowing it besides lauding Mr Radhakrishnan for his sustained efforts. <br/><br/>The new regulations make it mandatory for the district collectors and animal welfare board members to monitor the game besides testing the physical fitness of the bulls. From the animal enclosure, the youngsters have to hold the bull within 15 metre radius. In poll-bound Tamil Nadu, the issue has been hotly debated for quite long. Critics say the traditional adventure game may encounter more legal battles.

The Centre has allowed the traditional bull taming game Jallikkattu, by removing the ban against it. The game is being played mostly in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu during Pongal festivities. After a long drawn legal battle, it was banned by the Supreme Court in May 2014. However, the Union Environment and Forests Ministry has cleared the decks for the traditional game subject to stringent conditions to avoid cruelty to animals. <br/><br/>Jallikkattu enthusiasts in thousands spontaneously erupted in joy, immediately after Union Minister Pon.Radhakrishnan informed about the Environment Ministry's decision allowing the traditional game. This has been widely welcomed by all political parties in Tamil Nadu. However, animal welfare activists like members of PETA have voiced their concern against the decision saying it is against the apex court ruling. <br/><br/>The bull race called Rekhla race has also been allowed by removing bulls from the list of animals banned from public display for entertainment. Mr Radhakrishnan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar and BJP chief Amit Shah for allowing Jalllikkattu. Most of the political parties thanked the Centre for what they call "landmark decision" in allowing it besides lauding Mr Radhakrishnan for his sustained efforts. <br/><br/>The new regulations make it mandatory for the district collectors and animal welfare board members to monitor the game besides testing the physical fitness of the bulls. From the animal enclosure, the youngsters have to hold the bull within 15 metre radius. In poll-bound Tamil Nadu, the issue has been hotly debated for quite long. Critics say the traditional adventure game may encounter more legal battles.

The Centre has allowed the traditional bull taming game Jallikkattu, by removing the ban against it. The game is being played mostly in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu during Pongal festivities. After a long drawn legal battle, it was banned by the Supreme Court in May 2014. However, the Union Environment and Forests Ministry has cleared the decks for the traditional game subject to stringent conditions to avoid cruelty to animals. <br/><br/>Jallikkattu enthusiasts in thousands spontaneously erupted in joy, immediately after Union Minister Pon.Radhakrishnan informed about the Environment Ministry's decision allowing the traditional game. This has been widely welcomed by all political parties in Tamil Nadu. However, animal welfare activists like members of PETA have voiced their concern against the decision saying it is against the apex court ruling. <br/><br/>The bull race called Rekhla race has also been allowed by removing bulls from the list of animals banned from public display for entertainment. Mr Radhakrishnan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar and BJP chief Amit Shah for allowing Jalllikkattu. Most of the political parties thanked the Centre for what they call "landmark decision" in allowing it besides lauding Mr Radhakrishnan for his sustained efforts. <br/><br/>The new regulations make it mandatory for the district collectors and animal welfare board members to monitor the game besides testing the physical fitness of the bulls. From the animal enclosure, the youngsters have to hold the bull within 15 metre radius. In poll-bound Tamil Nadu, the issue has been hotly debated for quite long. Critics say the traditional adventure game may encounter more legal battles.

The Centre has allowed the conduct of the traditional bull-taming sports, Jallikattu, in Tamil Nadu.A gazette notificaiton has also said , bullock cart races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat can be conducted in the manner by the customs of any community or practiced traditionally. Jallikattu is celebrated around pongal in southern state of Tamil Nadu.