MADURAI: A Division Bench in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday stayed an order passed by a single judge on March 29 last, directing the State Government to prevent cruelty to animals in the guise of `jallikattu' (bull taming), `rekela' (bullock cart) race, oxen race or such other rural sports.

The Bench, comprising Justice Dharma Rao Elipe and Justice P.P.S. Janarthana Raja, granted the interim stay on a writ appeal.

Also passing orders on a few other public interest litigation petitions as well as writ petitions from Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts, the judges directed the district administration concerned and the police to take necessary steps to safeguard the interests of the participating bulls and the public.

Medical care

The officials were ordered to provide sufficient medical care to the injured.

The orders were passed based on the counter affidavit filed by Madurai District Collector T. Udhayachandran, who supported the continuance of the sports.

The Bench directed the State Government to pay a compensation of Rs.1 lakh to a writ petitioner, whose son died after he was hit by a bull while watching `jallikattu' at Alanganallur in 2004.

The Court Registry was asked to post all the petitions together for final disposal in February first week.

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