Kerala Cabinet nod for draft Bill seeking to give permission to resume ‘Kaalapoottu’

The State Cabinet on Saturday gave its nod to a draft Bill that seeks to give permission to resume agriculture-related cattle race events variously known as ‘Maramadi,’ ‘Kaalapoottu,’ ‘Kannupoottu’ and ‘Pothottam.’

These events had been banned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Minister for Animal Husbandry J. Chinchurani’s office said that the Cabinet has approved certain amendments to the Central Act as the matter comes under the Concurrent List. The amendment would come into force in the State once the draft Bill is passed by the State Assembly and President Droupadi Murmu also gives her assent. Amendments to the Central Act by the State, as permitted by Article 254(2) of the Constitution, requires the assent of the President.

Ms. Chinchurani’s office said the State government took the step following demands from various quarters for a legislation for resuming these events.

Following T.N.

Kerala is adopting the same process followed by Tamil Nadu for legalising the Jallikattu event, she added.

In September 2015, a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court held that the Union government notification prohibiting the use of bulls as performing animals was applicable to ‘Kaalapoottu,’ ‘Kannupoottu,’ and ‘Maramadi’ competitions.