The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on January 7 refused to interfere with the State government’s arrangement for conducting the world-famous Avaniyapuram Jallikattu, making it clear that the event will continue to be organised by government authorities, not private committees.
A division bench of Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan disposed of a writ petition filed by a self-claimed village committee president seeking permission and police protection to conduct the festival scheduled for January 15.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed by P. Murugan, who described himself as the president of the Avaniyapuram Village Jallikattu Committee. He approached the High Court seeking a direction to the district administration to grant permission to his committee and provide adequate police protection for conducting Jallikattu in Avaniyapuram village, Madurai district.
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The plea was made under Article 226 of the Constitution, arguing that the committee should be allowed to conduct the traditional bull-taming event within the timeframe fixed by the court.
Avaniyapuram Jallikattu, along with events at Alanganallur and Palamedu, is among the most prominent and internationally recognised Jallikattu festivals in Tamil Nadu.
Submissions Before the Court
Appearing for the State, Additional Advocate General Veera Kathiravan told the bench that under the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009, and the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the Animal Welfare Department in November 2025, the responsibility of organising the Avaniyapuram event rests with government authorities.
He explained that the Revenue Department organises the event directly, with villagers participating only through an advisory committee.
“The petitioner cannot claim an independent right to conduct Jallikattu at Avaniyapuram,” the State submitted.
The petitioner’s counsel, however, argued that even if the State conducts the event, the advisory committee should include representatives from all communities in the village.
Court’s Observations
The bench noted the State’s submission that Avaniyapuram Jallikattu is not a privately organised event. Referring to its cultural and international significance, the court accepted the government’s stand that such high-profile events are directly overseen by the administration to ensure safety, regulation, and compliance with law.
Recording the State’s assurance, the court observed that the advisory committee would be constituted in line with previous years’ practice and in accordance with guidelines laid down by the High Court in earlier cases.
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“The advisory committee will be formed as per established practice and in line with this court’s earlier directions,” the bench noted, acknowledging the Additional Advocate General’s statement.
Decision of the Court
After recording the submissions made by the State, the High Court disposed of the writ petition without granting the relief sought by the petitioner. The connected miscellaneous petition was also closed.
The bench passed no order as to costs, effectively clearing the way for the State-led organisation of the Avaniyapuram Jallikattu on January 15, 2026.
Case Title:- P. Murugan vs The District Collector, Madurai District & Others
