As the protest for removal of Jallikattu ban enters fourth day on Friday at Marina Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam said he expects the notification to come out by Sunday.
Panneerselvam said a draft ordinance of the state government to lift the ban on jallikattu had been sent to the home ministry.
“After getting necessary approvals from the ministries of home, law and environment, forests and climate change, it will be forwarded to President Pranab Mukherjee for his consent,” he said.
Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court agreed to postpone Jallikattu order for a week on Centre’s request.
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi has said the Tamil Nadu government has the power to enact a law to treat Jallikattu as a traditional sport.
“Good news about ordinance will come in a day or two, as per the wishes of Tamils across the world. Jallikattu will happen in the state for sure. I am happy to state that ‘vaadivasal’ (the gateway to the jallikattu venue) will let the bulls run,” the chief minister said.
On Friday, normal life across the state was hit as transporters, retail shopkeepers, film fraternity and movie theatre owners decided to shut shop for 12 hours, starting 6 am.
The move marked their support for students and youngsters protesting against the ban on Jallikattu, the bull taming sport held every January during the traditional festival of Pongal. The protesters also want a ban on animal rights group PETA.
“We will head home only after seeing the bulls cross the vaadivasal (the gate through which the bovines enter),” said one of the protester S Balakrishnan. Whereas other protesters were raising the slogan in Tamil which roughly translate as, “Tell them you are Tamilian, stand with your head held high!”
“We are very happy. I hope it (Ordinance) will be a permanent solution. I thank honorable PM that he gave permission to our CM. I also appeal the protestors that they should be happy and leave the protest site,” said Tamilisai Soundrarajan, BJP leader.
Tamil Superstar (Thalaiva) Rajinikanth has reportedly joined the Makkal movement as a huge sign of extending his unconditional support to the people of Tamil Nadu who have been peacefully protesting.
Rajinikanth has arrived at Marina Beach to join the protest and several other celebrities from Tamil film industry are expected to join in.
Superstar Kamal Haasan openly supported Jallikattu earlier. Musician A R Rehman and Chess Champion Vishvanathan Anand also shown their solidarity with the sport.
