As Jallikattu protests explode, Madras HC, Central Minister say won’t interfere

With pro-jallikattu protests gaining ground all over Tamil Nadu, thousands have gathered at Marina beach since Tuesday night protesting against the Supreme Court’s ban on the sport. However, even as crowds continue to throng and the agitation continues, the Madras High Court said on Wednesday that it will not interfere at this stage and that Supreme Court was aware of the matter.

According to PTI, the High Court made the remark in response to advocate K Balu, who mentioned the Marina protests in open court.

Balu told the court about the disconnection of power supply in the area as well the lack of drinking water provisions for “peaceful” protesters who had gathered since Tuesday.

A bench comprising Chief Justice SK Kaul and Justice M Sundar told Balu that the court would not "interfere in the matter at this stage".

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju also told the media on Wednesday that he did not wish to comment on the issue. Many political parties have expressed their view on jallikattu, Rijiju said, and added that he did not wish to add any more to it.

The pro-jallikattu protests are largely being crusaded by young men along with women and a few children. Their demand is to revoke the ban Supreme Court had imposed on the sport in 2014.

Students from various colleges in Chennai have turned up in large numbers at Marina beach. About 500 students from Central Polytechnic College and 300 students from the School of Excellence in Law were present at the protests among the thousands who camped at the beach overnight.

Another demand of the protesters has been to ban animal rights organization PETA, which has been fighting the legal battle against jallikattu.