New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday restrained Collectors in Tamil Nadu from granting permission to conduct ‘jallikattu’ (bull fight) for two weeks till February 13.

A Bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justice P. Sathasivam passed the order on an application filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India, seeking permanent stay of ‘jallikattu.’ It posted the matter for further hearing on February 13.

Senior counsel K.K. Venugopal submitted that the court, by an order dated January 15, 2008, had permitted ‘jallikattu’ during the Pongal festival subject to conditions. Despite assurance by authorities that ‘jallikattu’ would be performed only during Pongal, there were many instances of the sport being conducted in villages even after the festival. The organisers were not informing the Board and there was no control over such organisations.

Mr. Venugopal said that in January this year alone 21 people were killed and 1,614 persons injured in ‘jallikattu.’ No permission should be granted at least till the next date of hearing.

M.N. Rao, senior counsel for Tamil Nadu, opposed the stay saying normally ‘jallikattu’ was held in the Tamil month of ‘Thai’ till the middle of February. The Bench told Mr. Rao: “Apparently the guidelines are not followed. It appears this year they had violated the guidelines. We will not allow such things to happen. You file your response, we will see.” In a brief order, the Bench said the Collectors concerned should not grant any permission for ‘jallikattu’ till February 13. The Board said the sport, traditionally associated with Pongal, had been commercialised. All villages and sports organisations wanted to conduct ‘jallikattu’ for reasons other than tradition or festival. Bulls were subjected to all forms of cruelty. The recent incidents showed there was no safeguard or protection to spectators. It wanted modification of last year’s order and stay of ‘jallikattu.’