Chennai: With Tamil Nadu seeking Central ordinance for the conduct of Jallikattu this week, Union Minister M Venkiah Naidu on Monday said it should be seen whether any amendment in this regard stands the scrutiny of law.

During an interaction at the India Today Conclave here, Naidu termed the bull taming sport as a 'traditional art' of Tamil Nadu, although saying it was his personal opinion.

Holding that the issue has not "come on account" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or because of the NDA government, Naidu said it had been on earlier also and that it had been "referred to the Supreme Court."

"The Supreme Court, the highest court, has given a verdict (banning the sport). Now suggestions are coming that we must amend (laws), like we amended (after) the Shah Bano case. We have to see that even if we amend (laws) whether it stands the scrutiny of law," he said.

Asked if the Centre would do something for the conduct of Jallikattu this year, Naidu said he was not dealing with the subject and therefore he "cannot say anything" on it.

"Though according to me, personally, jallikattu has been a traditional art of the people of Tamil Nadu. Nobody should have any objection (to that)," he said amidst applause.

"But when the highest court of the country has expressed its view, I, as a Minister, cannot contradict that stand. Let us see. I have already conveyed the sentiments (of Tamil Nadu) to my colleagues in Delhi," he added.

Yesterday, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had written to Prime Minister Modi seeking an ordinance to hold Jallikattu this Pongal.

PTI