Ball in President's court, as Centre clears Jallikattu ordinance

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], Jan. 20 (ANI): In a major boost to the people of Tamil Nadu, the Centre on Friday gave approval to an ordinance revoking the ban on Jallikattu. The ordinance was proposed by the Tamil Nadu Government which was placed before the Law, Environment and Culture Ministries. In consultation with Attorney General of India Mukul Rohatgi, the Ministries forwarded the ordinance to President Pranab Mukherjee for his assent. This latest development came in the wake of sea of protesters that continued to swell on the Marina beach in Chennai for the fourth day as supporters of Jallikattu staged their protest. The Supreme Court, which had banned the sport in 2014, today agreed not to pass any interim order for a week. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi mentioned the matter before the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar. Urging the protestors to end their protest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam has said that Jallikattu will return to the state in a couple of days through an ordinance or executive order that will be reviewed by President Pranab Mukherjee. "The Central Government and the state government are trying to solve the issue," Rohatgi told the apex court bench. Panneerselvam met Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday and requested an ordinance, but he was told that the matter is sub-judice. Panneerselvam later said that his government would soon take steps along with the centre on how to bring back Jallikattu. "You will soon see steps. Wait, good will happen," he told reporters. Prime Minister Modi, later, through Tweets said that he told the Chief Minister and appreciated the cultural significance of Jallikattu.. "The Centre would be supportive of steps taken by the State Government," the Prime Minister assured. (ANI)