Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Madras High Court Rules on Jallikattu
The Madras High Court recently made a decision about who can organize the Jallikattu festival in Avaniyapuram, a village in Tamil Nadu.
Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport that is very important to the local culture.
A man named P Murugan, who is the president of the local Jallikattu committee, asked the court to let his committee organize the festival.
He wanted to make sure that all communities in the village were included in the planning.
However, the state government said that only they have the authority to organize Jallikattu, with the help of an advisory committee made up of villagers.
The court agreed with the state and said that the advisory committee would be formed following the usual practices and previous court guidelines.
This decision ensures that the festival will be organized in a way that respects the traditions and includes everyone in the community.
The Madras High Court denied permission to a private village committee to conduct Jallikattu at Avaniyapuram, stating that the state government is the organizer of the event.
The petitioner, P Murugan, argued for community participation and inclusive representation in the advisory committee for organizing Jallikattu.
The state contended that under the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009, and the standard operating procedure, the Avaniyapuram Jallikattu is organized by the revenue officials of the State.
The court accepted the state's assurance that the advisory committee would be formed as per established practice and earlier judicial directions.
Jallikattu is a centuries-old traditional sport held during the Pongal harvest celebrations, mainly in the districts of Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, and Sivagangai.
- Who
- P Murugan, president of the Avaniyapuram Village Jallikattu Committee, and the Madras High Court
- What
- A petition to grant permission to conduct Jallikattu at Avaniyapuram and the court's decision
- When
- During the Pongal festival, with the petition being disposed of by the court
- Where
- Avaniyapuram village in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- To determine who has the authority to organize the Jallikattu festival and ensure community participation and inclusiveness
Petitioner's View
State's View
Organisation of Jallikattu
Petitioner's View
The petitioner argued that the local village committee should be permitted to conduct the festival, emphasizing community participation and inclusive representation from all communities in the village.
State's View
The state contended that under the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009, and the standard operating procedure issued by the animal welfare department, the Avaniyapuram Jallikattu is organised by the revenue officials of the State, with villagers assisting through an advisory committee.
- Petitioner
- P Murugan, president of the Avaniyapuram Village Jallikattu Committee
- Court
- Madras High Court
- Judges
- Justices G Jayachandran and K K Ramakrishnan
- State's Assurance
- The advisory committee would be formed as per established practice and earlier judicial directions
- Jallikattu Venues
- Avaniyapuram, Alanganallur, and Palamedu
- Jallikattu Act
- Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009
- Standard Operating Procedure
- Issued by the animal welfare department on November 21, 2025
- Previous Judicial Directions
- Guidelines issued by the high court in a batch of writ petitions decided on January 13, 2020
