It seems to be the season of defiance in Tamil Nadu.
Despite a ban by Supreme Court on Jallikattu, the sport was organised at four places in Madurai district on Saturday. Large number of police personnel were deployed in all districts across the state, but that did not support Jallikattu supporters from going ahead.
At around 7.00 am, Jallikattu was conducted in four places in Madurai- Avaniapuram, Melur, Kuravankulam and Pothambur.
Traditionally, Jallikattu starts at Avaniapuram on Pongal day and then moves on to neighboring villages. On Mattu Pongal day, (two days after Pongal) the final and grandest Jallikattu is held at Alanganallur village.
It was reported that about 30 to 40 people came together with around 10 bulls and conducted Jallikattu in all these place. Seven people were detained near Avaniapuram after the sport was played.
However, Avaniapuram and Melur police denied that Jallikattu took place in these areas.
In Alanganallur, more than 500 police personnel were deployed. More than 250 police personnel stood guard in Avaniapuram and around 22 were deployed in Melur, Madurai, said the police.
On January 12, the Naam Tamilar Katchi organised a Jallikattu event in Thiruvanthipuram, Cuddalore district. “We don’t need permission from anyone. Next time we will organise it in Madurai,” members of Naam Tamilar Katchi had told TV reporters. They later went on to say that Jallikattu would be in other districts as well.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court had refused to give its order with regard to the conduct of Jallikattu ahead of the festival of Pongal. The court said it was not possible to deliver the verdict before Saturday. SC had said that draft of judgment was prepared but it was unfair to ask bench to pass orders.