Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 1: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday held back from making a firm commitment on legalising Dhirio (bullfights), stating that the government would first examine the legal aspects of the matter.

Addressing a rare display of cross-party consensus in the Assembly, where members united in support of reviving the traditional sport, Sawant said, “I will take the sense of the House and evaluate the matter in consultation with the Law Department.”

He highlighted a crucial difference between Goa’s Dhirio and Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu, often cited as a precedent. “Jallikattu involves individuals attempting to mount a running bull, whereas Dhirio is a fight between two bulls. The two cannot be equated,” he said.

The Chief Minister reminded legislators that Dhirio remains banned by High Court orders and that the State must comply with judicial directives.

He revealed that 16 cases have been registered under Section 11(1)(n) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, from 2022 to June 30, 2025. The government, he added, has already submitted an action plan to curb illegal bullfighting in accordance with court guidelines.