🐂 Jallikattu, 2017: The Marina Uprising That Changed a Law

Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport held during Pongal, in which participants try to hold on to the hump of a running bull. Supporters see it as part of Tamil heritage that also keeps native breeds such as Kangayam and Pulikulam alive. Animal-welfare groups raised concerns about cruelty to bulls and injuries to people.

On 7 May 2014, in Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja, the Supreme Court held that Jallikattu violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and banned it. Pongal passed without Jallikattu in 2015 and 2016; in January 2017 the Court declined to rule before the festival.

On 16–17 January 2017, police arrested protesters at Alanganallur near Madurai, the most famous Jallikattu venue. In response, students gathered at Marina Beach in Chennai on 17 January. Within days, lakhs had joined — in Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Salem and abroad — coordinated largely through social media and without any one party in charge. Volunteers cleaned the beach and kept it peaceful.

• 19 January: Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam met PM Narendra Modi in Delhi; the Centre said the state could legislate.
• 21 January: the Governor promulgated an ordinance amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act for Tamil Nadu.
• 23 January: the Assembly unanimously passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 2017, with rules for the safety and welfare of bulls.

Many protesters stayed on, wanting a permanent solution. On 23 January police began clearing the Marina and other sites. Lathi charges, tear gas, stone-throwing and arson followed in parts of Chennai, and residents of fishing hamlets alleged police excesses. A peaceful movement ended in a day of violence that remains disputed.

Animal-welfare groups challenged the new law. On 18 May 2023, a five-judge Constitution Bench upheld the Tamil Nadu Amendment (and similar laws in Maharashtra and Karnataka), noting that the state had decided Jallikattu is part of its cultural heritage and that the rules reduce cruelty. Today Jallikattu is held every Pongal under strict rules.

• Peaceful mass protest works — a law was passed within a week.
• Culture and compassion can co-exist — rules, vets and safety measures matter.
• Federalism in action — the state legislated within the Constitution, and the courts tested the law.