CM Devendra Fadnavis said the Maharashtra government will file a review petition seeking the return of elephant Madhuri to Nandani Math, stating, “There is public sentiment that Madhuri should come back to the Math.”
The Maharashtra government decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court to seek the return of elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, to Nandani Math in Kolhapur.
This decision made during a meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who reaffirmed the state’s commitment to support the Math’s efforts to reunite with the elephant.
Fadnavis stated that the government will submit a separate review petition to clarify its stance on Madhuri’s return.
The meeting, held in the Cabinet Hall of the Ministry, included Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Medical Minister Hasan Mushrif, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, representatives from Nandani Math, and other public officials.
Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed that efforts would be made to legally facilitate Madhuri’s return, considering both the traditions of Nandani Math and the sentiments of the local community.
He remarked,
“Madhuri, the elephant, has been in Nandani Math for the last 34 years. There is a public sentiment that Madhuri should come back to the Math. Keeping this public sentiment in mind, the state government will file a reconsideration petition. The Math should also include the state government in its petition.”
Additionally, Fadnavis indicated that a detailed position would be presented in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Forest Department, addressing all issues raised by a high-level committee in line with the Central Zoo Authority’s criteria.
He also announced the formation of a team of veterinarians to care for the elephant, stating,
“The state government will form a team, including a doctor, to take care of the elephant and provide all the necessary assistance. If necessary, arrangements like a rescue centre will be made, and facilities will be provided accordingly.”
The Chief Minister noted that the state would request the Supreme Court to appoint an independent committee to investigate these matters. He also mentioned that cases registered against citizens related to this issue would be withdrawn.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized the need for the Forest Department to gather information about all elephants that had been removed from Maharashtra. Public representatives present voiced their support for the state government to take action to bring Madhuri back, considering the sentiments of the citizens.
Earlier, on Sunday, Madhuri was relocated from the Math in Kolhapur to Vantara’s sanctuary in Jamnagar following a Supreme Court order that upheld the decision of the Ministry of Environment’s High Powered Committee.