News

Superstar Rajnikath joins Jallikattu stir, SC postpones ruling for a week

by India Blooms News Service 20 Jan 2017, 08:43 am

Chennai/New Delhi, Jan 20 (IBNS) : Superstar Rajinikanth on Friday joined the protest against Jallikattu ban taking along a host of other celebrities as the agitation in favour of the traditional bull taming sport in Tamil Nadu snowballed into a huge upsurge with thousands of people swarming Chennai's Marina beach, reports said.

The rise in Tamil sentiment over the ban on the traditional bull taming sport has prompted several organisations to call a strike on Friday with the film industry being shut,  autos and taxis going off the road and trades being put off for the day in a show of massive solidarity.

The Madras High Court Advocates Body has also decided to boycott work on Friday to join the protests.

Along with Rajnikanth,  Tamil film stalwarts like Kamal Hasan, Ajit, Suriya and Trisha Krishnan have also joined the stir.


Meanwhile, music composer AR Rahman also tweeted that he will observe a fast on Friday to support the ‘spirit of Tamil Nadu’ against the ban on Jallikattu.

 World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand also lent his support for Jallikattu saying he stands with the spirit of Tamilians on Jallikattu.

Meanwhile in Delhi, the Supreme Court postpone its ruling on Jallikattu for a week following a request from the Centre while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Paneerselvam said that Jallikattu will be back in two through a special ordinance.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar agreed to Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi's plea to hold the verdict in an unconventional move.

Rohatgi said the Tamil Nadu government has the power to enact a law to treat Jallikattu as a traditional sport.

"Requested the Supreme Court to not give a judgement on Jallikattu for a week as the situation is already very aroused and the court has agreed. The Centre and the Tamil Nadu government are talking. It will be decided whether the Centre or State will act or both will do something. All options are open,” Rohatgi said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister, who has been in Delhi to press for finding out a way to ensure return of Jallikattu, said a a draft ordinance has been forwarded to the Home ministry in the morning for getting  the nod of President with the recommendation of the Centre. 

"On the basis of President's order, the Tamil Nadu Governor will promulgate an ordinance,"  Panneerselvam said.

The Chief Minister extended his stay on Thursday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who  told Panneerselvam that the Jallikattu matter is sub-judice and he cannot use an ordinance or executive order to remove the ban.

Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and AIADMK leader M Thambidurai led a party delegation to meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to press for ordinance on Jallikattu issue.

According to him, Singh assured the delegation that file will be processed as early as possible so that ordinance can be promulgated in next two-three days.