SC bans Jallikattu, bullock-cart races

Expanding the ambit of rights of animals, the Supreme Court today banned using bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country and hoped parliament would elevate the rights of animals to that of constitutional rights.

The apex court directed governments and Animal Welfare Board of India to take steps to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals saying all living creatures, including animals, have inherent dignity and a right to live peacefully and right to protect their well-being.

"Animal also has honour and dignity which cannot be arbitrarily deprived of and its rights and privacy have to be respected and protected from unlawful attacks," a bench, headed by Justice K S Radhakrishnan, said adding the "Court also has a duty under the doctrine of parens patriae to take care of the rights of animals since they are unable to take care of themselves as against human beings".

"Bulls cannot be used as performing animals, either for the Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country," the bench said.

It said Jallikattu demonstrates a link between actions of humans and the fear, distress and pain experienced by bulls and the torture and cruelty meted out to the bulls is unimaginable.

"Parliament, it is expected, would elevate the rights of animals to that of constitutional rights, as done by many countries around the world, so as to protect their dignity and honour," the bench, also comprising Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, said.