W.P.No.8724 of 2025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 14.03.2025 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY W.P.No.8724 of 2025 ADHIYAMAAN JALLIKATTU PR PERAVAI – DHARMAPURI DISTRICT, REP. BY ITS SECRETARY MR. M.GOVINDARAJI, NO. 2/202-C, PADMAVATHI COMPLEX, SOKKATHURKOOT ROAD, HOGENAKKAL MAIN ROAD, DHARMAPURI - 636 809. ... Petitioner Vs 1. THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING AND FISHERIES, GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU, FORT ST. GEORGE, CHENNAI. 2. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, DHARMAPURI DISTRICT, DISTRICT COLLECTORATE DHARMAPURI - 636 705. 3. THE REVENUE DIVISIONAL OFFICER, DHARMAPURI DISTRICT, GANDHI NAGAR, DHARMAPURI. 4. THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, DHARMAPURI DISTRCT, OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, DISTRCT POLICE OFFICE, NEAR COLLECTORATE, DHARMAPURI. ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for the 1/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.8724 of 2025 issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the order passed by the second respondent in Na.Ka.No.35543/2024/(C1) dated 10.02.2025 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents herein to grant approval / permission for the conduct of Jallikattu in Thandagam village. For Petitioner : Mr.S.P.Parthasarthy For R1 to R3 : Mr.J.Ravindran, Additional Advocate General assisted by Mr.S.Senthil Murugan Special Government Pleader For R4 : Dr.C.E.Pratap Government Advocate (Crl.Side) ORDER This writ petition is filed for a Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records relating to the impugned order made in Na.Ka.No.35543/2024/(C1) dated 10.02.2025. 2. By the impugned order, permission for the conduct of Jallikattu was rejected. The authorities rejected the same on the grounds that the location is near the National Highway. The second ground is that there are agricultural wells surrounding the place. The third ground is that the judicial officers' quarters are nearby. The fourth ground is that a large number of persons, possibly in an inebriated condition may gather at the site, leading to a law and order problem. The fifth objection is that there was an incident in the year 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.8724 of 2025 2023, where a 10 year old child passed away after being gored by a bull. 3. When the matter came up for hearing, the learned Additional Advocate General appearing on behalf of the respondents 1 to 3 would submit that it is not that the authorities are rejecting the permission in toto, but rather that the site is not suitable for conducting the event. 4. Per contra, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submitted that the necessary barricades have been erected and the site has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines and standard operating procedures. As far as the incident is concerned, it is a fact that even after such incidents, Jallikattu is being conducted in many places and therefore, this cannot be used as a factor only against the petitioner’s village. In respect of the other conditions, it is on record that the National Highway is 977 meters away and that adequate barricades have been put in place to prevent the bulls from directly running into the Highway. It can also be ensured that all the wells in the surrounding area will remain closed by erecting barricades around them. 5.With reference to the law and order issue, adequate protection can be 3/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.8724 of 2025 provided and if necessary, the respondent can also conduct breathalyzer tests and remove individuals who are in an inebriated condition to maintain the law and order. Therefore, I am of the view that the impugned order dated 10.02.2025 cannot stand, especially when it is the policy of the Government to permit Jallikattu provided all the necessary precautions are in place. 6. In view thereof, the writ petition is disposed of on the following terms:- (i) The impugned order dated 10.02.2025 shall stand quashed. The authorities shall reconsider the issue and conduct another inspection in the presence of the petitioner, in accordance with the observations made in this judgment. They may ensure that all necessary arrangements are properly made and accordingly, grant permission after intimating if any further compliance is required. (ii) The said exercise shall be carried out within two weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order without waiting for the certified copy of the order and accordingly, the date for Jallikattu can be fixed. No costs. 14.03.2025 1/2 Neutral Citation: Yes/No nsl 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.8724 of 2025 To 1. THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING AND FISHERIES, GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU, FORT ST. GEORGE, CHENNAI. 2. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, DHARMAPURI DISTRICT, DISTRICT COLLECTORATE DHARMAPURI - 636 705. 3. THE REVENUE DIVISIONAL OFFICER, DHARMAPURI DISTRICT, GANDHI NAGAR, DHARMAPURI. 4. THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, DHARMAPURI DISTRCT, OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, DISTRCT POLICE OFFICE, NEAR COLLECTORATE, DHARMAPURI. D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J. 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.8724 of 2025 nsl W.P.No.8724 of 2025 14.03.2025 1/2 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis